SRINAGAR: The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the central Philippines surpassed 100 on Wednesday, as authorities continued to assess the widespread destruction caused by the storm, particularly in Cebu province, which suffered some of the worst flooding in recent memory.
Unprecedented floodwaters swept through towns and cities across Cebu on Tuesday, destroying homes, cars, riverside shanties, and even large shipping containers. Spokesman Rhon Ramos according to AFP, said that 35 bodies had been recovered from flooded areas of Liloan, a town within the metropolitan area of Cebu City, bringing the provincial death toll to 76.
Neighbouring Negros Island also faced severe consequences. At least 12 people were confirmed dead and another 12 were reported missing after heavy rains triggered volcanic mudflows that buried homes in Canlaon City. Police Lieutenant Stephen Polinar as per AP, explained that eruptions of Kanlaon volcano since last year had left deposits on its upper slopes, which were washed down onto villages during the typhoon.
Earlier government tallies had recorded only one death on Negros, as part of a total of 17 deaths reported outside Cebu. This figure included six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed while carrying out relief operations during the typhoon.
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors and provide aid to affected communities, while local authorities urge residents to exercise caution as floodwaters recede and the full scale of damage emerges.
