At least 66 dead, 26 missing and nearly 390 000 evacuated due to Typhoon Kalmaegi, Philippines
At least 66 deaths have been confirmed, while 26 remain missing since Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally named Tino) made landfall over the Philippines on November 4, 2025. Nearly 390 000 people have been evacuated as recovery operations continue across the country.
Damage caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) in Cebu Province on November 5, 2025
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed that Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) caused 66 fatalities and left 26 people missing across the Philippines since its landfall on November 4.
At least 49 out of the total deaths were recorded in Cebu province alone, as flash floods and landslides swept through densely populated districts.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 68, Series of 2025, late on November 4, declaring the State of Calamity to allow the provincial and local government to mobilize emergency resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations.
According to Governor Baricuatro, silted river channels and outdated flood-control infrastructure worsened the situation. Local authorities in Talisay City reported that dozens of homes were destroyed and streets littered with overturned vehicles and shipping containers once the waters receded.
Authorities reported that many victims drowned or were trapped in collapsed homes. In several urban areas, particularly around Cebu City and Talisay, floodwaters rose rapidly overnight as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems.
OCD Deputy Administrator Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the main challenge now was clearing debris blocking transport corridors and reopening access to isolated areas.
Heavy rainfall of up to 183 mm (7.2 inches) of rain fell over the Cebu City area within 24 hours on November 4—far beyond the monthly average of 131 mm (5.2 inches). The rainfall swamped rivers and storm drains, submerging entire neighborhoods and prompting rescue operations that continued well into the following day.
The OCD reported most of the casualties were from flash floods rather than wind damage. Among the fatalities were six military personnel who died when a helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur, on Mindanao Island, while delivering aid.
Power outages, road blockages, and damage to ports and bridges left several municipalities temporarily isolated. Relief agencies have since restored limited access to major roads, allowing food and water deliveries to reach coastal communities.
As of November 5, floodwaters had mostly receded, but thousands of residents remained in temporary shelters. Emergency crews continue to search for the missing and restore power and telecommunications in affected localities.
While over 150 000 people evacuations were reported earlier the number rose to 387 000 as authorities expanded pre-emptive relocations across the Visayas, southern Luzon, and northern Mindanao. Currently, all reports are preliminary and subject to change as recovery efforts continue.
The storm’s impact was worsened by Cebu’s fragile infrastructure, still recovering from a M6.9 earthquake in late September 2025. Local officials said recent quake damage had already strained emergency capacity and slowed the flood response.
At 10:00 LT (02:00 UTC) on November 5, the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino) was located roughly 190 km (118 miles) west of Coron, Palawan, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Maximum sustained winds were measured at 130 km/h (81 mph) with gusts up to 180 km/h (112 mph) and a central pressure of 970 hPa. The system was moving west-northwest at 20 km/h (12 mph).
Strong to typhoon-force winds extended outward up to 300 km (186 miles) from the center. The system continued consolidating as it tracked west-northwestward over the open waters of the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA forecast that Kalmaegi would continue moving west-northwest, exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) late on November 5 or early November 6, and head toward the central Vietnam coast.
JTWC guidance is consistent with the PAGASA track, forecasting continued northwestward motion under the influence of a subtropical ridge to the north. However, JTWC forecast a slightly higher peak intensity of 185 km/h (115 mph) within the next 24 hours, indicating a higher probability of rapid intensification.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals remain in effect across Palawan. Signal No. 4 is raised over El Nido in northernmost Palawan, while Signal No. 3 covers northern Palawan, including San Vicente, Taytay, and the Calamian Islands. Signal No. 2 is in effect for central and eastern Palawan, including Puerto Princesa City, Roxas, Dumaran, Araceli, and the Kalayaan Islands. Signal No. 1 extends over southern Palawan, the Cuyo Islands, and parts of Mindoro.
A storm surge exceeding 3 m (10 feet) is possible along low-lying and exposed coastal areas of Palawan within 24 hours. A Gale Warning was in effect for the western and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the seaboards of Western Visayas. Sea heights could reach 6 m (20 feet) along the northern seaboard of Palawan and 4.5 m (15 feet) along the Calamian and Kalayaan Islands, making sea travel extremely hazardous for all types of vessels.
Kalmaegi (Tino) is expected to remain over warm waters of the South China Sea during the next 24 hours and re-intensify further, possibly reaching JTWC’s forecast peak of 185 km/h (115 mph) before wind shear increases.
Landfall is forecast between Kon Tum and Quang Ngai Provinces, central Vietnam, by November 7, after which rapid weakening is expected due to terrain interaction.
References:
1 Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 22 – Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) – PAGASA – November 5, 2025
2 Prognostic reasoning for Typhoon 31W (Kalmaegi) Warning Nr. 016 – JTWC – November 5, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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