Philippines Declares State of Emergency Amid Typhoon Calamity
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency due to the severe impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has resulted in 241 people either dead or missing. Among them, 114 have been confirmed dead, while 127 are still unaccounted for.
The announcement was made during a briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, according to an official statement from the presidential office. This declaration is intended to expedite rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations by enabling quicker access to emergency funds and simplified procurement procedures.
“Because of the scope of, shall we say, problem areas that has been hit by Tino and will be hit by (Typhoon) Uwan, there was a proposal from the (council), which I approved, that we will declare a national calamity,” Marcos said.
President Marcos noted that 10 to 12 regions are likely to be affected by the twin typhoons, including Typhoon Uwan, which is anticipated to strike soon.
Damage and Challenges
Diego Mariano, deputy spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense, reported that 82 people sustained injuries in Central Visayas, the hardest-hit region. The typhoon, locally called Typhoon Tino, caused widespread damage by tearing off roofs, uprooting trees and utility poles, and triggering massive flooding and landslides.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
- State of emergency declared to fast-track aid and recovery
- Focus on rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts
- Preparations underway for additional impact from Typhoon Uwan
Author's summary: The Philippines is accelerating disaster response after Typhoon Kalmaegi left hundreds dead or missing, while bracing for more damage as Typhoon Uwan approaches.