The Philippines is experiencing one of the most severe natural disasters recorded in the country so far in 2025. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a national state of calamity following the passage of Typhoon Kalmaegi, a tropical cyclone that has left a devastating human and material toll across several regions of the archipelago.
According to the National Office of Civil Defense, at least 224 people have lost their lives and around 135 remain missing. Most of the deaths occurred due to flash floods that caught entire communities by surprise, especially in Cebu province, the hardest-hit area. In this region, entire neighborhoods were submerged, and many residents were forced to take refuge on the roofs of their homes as the water swept away vehicles and cargo containers.
The impact of the typhoon has been massive: nearly two million people have been affected, and more than 560,000 have been forced to leave their homes, many finding shelter in emergency facilities. Heavy rains also triggered volcanic mudflows in the Negros region, where accumulated volcanic deposits were washed away by the rainfall, burying several houses.
The country’s logistical situation has also been severely compromised. Ferries and fishing vessels have been prohibited from sailing due to rough seas, leaving thousands stranded at ports. Likewise, more than 180 domestic flights have been canceled.
The state of calamity will allow the government to mobilize emergency funds more quickly and ensure the supply of food and basic resources to the most affected areas. However, the situation remains unstable, as the country is struggling to recover, meteorological authorities have also warned about the formation of another tropical typhoon (Fung Wong) that has caused the death of 10 people and the displacement of 1.4 million people.
Furthemore, Kalmaegi left the Philippines last Wednesday, moving toward the South China Sea and heading for Vietnam, where authorities raised alert levels in anticipation of waves up to eight meters high. Five people lost their lives there.
The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographic location, exposed to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Scientists emphasize that climate change is intensifying the frequency and strength of phenomena like Kalmaegi, increasing the risk for communities already living in fragile conditions.
From Conexión Creando Puentes, we express our solidarity with the people and communities affected by this disaster. We recognize the importance of raising awareness of these events and fostering a global reflection on climate justice, prevention, and the protection of human lives. We remain committed to promoting awareness and creating spaces that encourage cooperation and mutual support among peoples.
Conexion CP Team
10th November 2025
Sources: France24.com and The Guardian
