By 
08-11-2025
Luna Djellout
Asia Team Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Typhoon Kalmaegi hit Philippines and caused catastrophic flooding and landslides across central provinces. To date officials, report that 114 people have died and nearly 130 are still missing. The worst-hit area was Cebu province where most deaths resulted from flash floods, forcing residents onto rooftops while waiting for rescue operations. This disaster displaced over 560,000 villagers with around 450,000 evacuated to emergency shelters. In response, Philippine President declared state of emergency in order to speed up relief efforts and unlock emergency funds. Officials warned that another potential super typhoon could hit the northern part of the country.
The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster –prone nations, facing around 20 typhoons a year, alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Typhoon Kalmaegi hit as the Cebu province was still recovering from a major earthquake and brought record rainfall, collapsing drainage systems and flood barriers. At the time, it revealed a multi-billion-peso infrastructure scandal. An investigation had revealed that many flood-control projects were nonexistent, unfinished or poorly built with funds allegedly diverted.
Devastating consequences of Typhoon Kalmaegi revived public anger over the corruption scandal in flood-control infrastructure. Local officials in Cebu said the failures of these projects directly worsened the flooding and called for actions to be taken in response.
