UPDATE: Philippine officials have ordered the evacuation of over 70,000 people as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches the eastern region of the country. Authorities have prohibited fishermen from venturing into the sea and warned residents of potential storm surges reaching nearly 10 feet.
The typhoon, last reported about 146 miles east of Guiuan in the province of Eastern Samar, has sustained winds of up to 74 mph and gusts of 93 mph. It is forecast to make landfall later today, threatening central island provinces, including Cebu, which is still recovering from a devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, killing at least 79 people and displacing thousands.
Governor RV Evardone of Eastern Samar has issued mandatory evacuation orders, urging residents to move to designated evacuation centers or sturdy buildings. Coastal towns like Guiuan, Mercedes, and Salcedo are particularly at risk as the storm intensifies.
Officials fear that Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally referred to as Tino, may strengthen further over the Philippine Sea before hitting land. Disaster response agencies, including the coastguard, are on high alert as thousands of villagers from nearby island provinces are also being evacuated.
In a reminder of the region’s vulnerability, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms in recorded history, devastated Guiuan in November 2013, leaving more than 7,300 dead or missing and displacing over four million people. The Philippines, prone to natural disasters, experiences around 20 typhoons each year and faces numerous earthquakes and volcanic threats.
As the situation develops, residents and officials are urged to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches.
