President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced the measure following a disaster-response meeting, allowing the government to speed up the release of emergency funds and curb food hoarding and price gouging as relief operations intensified.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than two million people have been affected, while nearly 560,000 residents were displaced as torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Cebu, Leyte, and neighboring islands. Around 450,000 evacuees have been moved to temporary shelters, officials said.
In Cebu province, one of the worst-hit regions, at least 71 people drowned after floodwaters engulfed entire villages. Roads remain blocked by debris and toppled power lines, and aerial footage showed vehicles and homes piled up along riverbanks.
The typhoon exited the Philippine archipelago late Wednesday, moving into the South China Sea, but rescue operations are ongoing in submerged areas. “This is one of the most severe disasters we’ve faced in recent years,” said Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, adding that military helicopters and coast guard teams are assisting in evacuations.
Authorities have also warned that another tropical system forming over the Pacific Ocean could strengthen into a super typhoon and threaten the northern Philippines next week, raising fresh concerns about preparedness and recovery.
Kalmaegi struck the archipelago with winds exceeding 150 kmph earlier this week, overwhelming drainage systems and swelling rivers beyond capacity ,a reminder of the country’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events driven by climate change.
