The Philippines has declared a state of national calamity following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which unleashed torrential rains, floods, and landslides across multiple regions this week. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos announced the measure Thursday, citing the storm’s “widespread destruction” and the need to mobilize resources ahead of a potential super typhoon forecasted to approach the archipelago.
Local media reports indicate Kalmaegi has displaced over 200,000 residents, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted agricultural production in key provinces. The declaration enables accelerated emergency funding and international aid coordination while mandating price controls on essential goods to protect affected communities.
“This proactive step ensures unity in our response efforts and prioritizes the safety of all Filipinos,”
President Marcos stated during a national address. Meteorological authorities are monitoring a developing weather system in the Pacific that could intensify into another severe storm within days.
The Philippines’ location in the typhoon-vulnerable Western Pacific makes it one of Asia’s most disaster-prone nations. Climate scientists note rising sea temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, posing long-term challenges for the region’s disaster preparedness frameworks.
