A typhoon hit the central Philippines this Tuesday, November 4, 2025, leaving at least four dead and thousands displaced. Named Kalmaegi, the cyclone brought winds of 130 km/h and gusts of up to 180 km/h, causing severe flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure. The storm especially affected the Visayas region, including Cebu, still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck in September. Local authorities have intensified preventive evacuations to minimize risks.
Before the typhoon hit, more than 150,000 people were moved to safe shelters. The national disaster management agency reported disruptions to ferry and aviation services, isolating communities in areas such as Surigao del Norte. The phenomenon, the 20th to hit the country in 2025, reinforces the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters.
- More than 150 thousand people evacuated in eastern provinces.
- 186 domestic flights canceled due to weather conditions.
- Rainfall of 183 mm in Cebu exceeded the monthly average.
- About 300 homes damaged or destroyed.
Typhoon damage
Torrential rains flooded entire villages on the island of Cebu, leaving cars and containers submerged. The city, with around one million inhabitants, recorded 183 mm of rain in 24 hours, a volume above the monthly average of 131 mm.
Many communities were isolated, with residents trapped on roofs due to the floods. The Red Crosseland from the Philippines reported rescue efforts in Liloan, Cebu, where waters had invaded residential areas.
Prevention measures
More than 70,000 people were evacuated in coastal cities such as Guiuan, Mercedes and Salcedo in Eastern Samar. Governor RV Evardone ordered mandatory withdrawals with support from army troops and firefighters.
Evacuation centers were prepared, but some also suffered flooding. Schools and public services remain closed until Wednesday, November 5th to ensure safety.
Infrastructure impacts
The storm disrupted essential services, with ferries and flights suspended, affecting more than 3,500 passengers in 100 ports. In Bacolod, winds of 140 km/h and gusts of 195 km/h damaged roofs.
On the island of Dinagat, gusts reached 205 km/h, destroying fragile buildings. The Pagasa meteorological agency warned of waves of up to 3 meters, worsening coastal damage.
Cebu City faces additional challenges as many people still live in tents following the September earthquake. Local authorities prioritize the relocation of these populations.
Vulnerability of the Philippines
The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons annually, especially between June and December, due to its location in the Pacific. The La Niña phenomenon, which cools ocean waters, could intensify the storm season, according to meteorologist Charmaine Varilla.
Response actions
Authorities have mobilized rescue teams and supplies to affected areas. The coast guard and disaster mitigation agencies are on high alert.
The local government is monitoring the trajectory of the typhoon, which is expected to weaken as it moves west. The priority is to ensure the safety of residents and restore essential services.
Disaster History
Typhoon Kalmaegi follows a series of severe weather events in the country. In September, Typhoon Bualoi left 27 people dead, while Super Typhoon Ragasa caused mass evacuations.
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu at the end of September had already displaced thousands of people, worsening the current situation. The combination of disasters challenges the country’s ability to respond.
