Typhoon Kalmaegi triggers worst flash flood in Cebu’s history, leaves 241 dead or missing across the Philippines
The Philippine government declared a state of calamity on November 6, 2025, after Typhoon Kalmaegi left 114 people dead, 127 missing, and displaced more than 560 000 residents while flooding parts of the Visayas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Boats being used to rescue citizens in Philippines following Typhoon Kalmaegi's deadly landfall. Credit: CCTV Asia Pacific
The Philippine government declared a state of calamity on November 6 following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally named Tino). At least 114 fatalities were confirmed, while another 127 people are still missing across the Visayas region.
At least 71 people died in Cebu, mostly due to drownings, 65 others were reported missing, and 69 were injured, the Office of Civil Defense said.
The NDRRMC reported that more than 560 000 people were displaced, including roughly 450 000 sheltered in evacuation centres, while nearly two million people were affected overall
In the 24 hours before it made landfall, Cebu received more than 180 mm (7 inches) of rainfall—equivalent to about a month and a half’s worth of rain in November.
Between 08:00 local time on November 3 and 08:00 LT on November 4, Maasin City in Southern Leyte recorded 235.2 mm (9.2 inches) of rain, equivalent to about 33 days of rain in the month of November. The monthly average rainfall of 213 mm (8 inches) for the region during November.
Heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, washing away entire communities and triggering landslides. Winds have toppled trees and power lines and flattened homes.
Kalmaegi also collapsed flood-control infrastructure in the province meant to protect citizens in such disasters. Locals have blamed corruption and the government for poor public safety infrastructure.
Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro described to local news channel ANC on Wednesday that the province experienced “by far the worst flash flood caused by a typhoon” in its history, affecting over 35 municipalities. Baricuatro says the rapid rise of water complicated evacuation efforts. “People had no time to flee; all they could do was head up to their roofs.”
But Baricuatro expressed frustration about how there were supposed flood-control projects that could have helped mitigate the severity of the disaster: “₱26 billion ($440 million) of flood control funds for Cebu, yet we are flooded to the max,” Baricuatro posted on Facebook.
The provincial governor’s comments came amid months-long frustration over controversial flood-control projects across the country.
As of 09:00 UTC on November 6, Kalmaegi was located outside the Philippines’ area of responsibility (PAR), roughly 390 km (242 miles) southeast of Da Nang ,Vietnam, and 525 km (326 miles) West-Northwest of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan.
The system was moving west at 28 km/h, with maximum sustained winds (averaged over 1-minute) reaching 205 km/h (127 mph).
Kalmaegi made landfall near Quy Nhon, Vietnam, around 11:00 UTC on November 6, bringing strong winds and heavy rains to the country, where recent flooding claimed over 40 lives.
The forecast calls for rapid weakening as it interacts with land while crossing into Cambodia and Laos. Dissipation is forecast by November 7.
References:
1 Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 31 W (Kalmaegi) Warning NR 13 – JTWC – Novmber 6, 2025
2 Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #27F – PAGASA – November 6, 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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