Over 150,000 Evacuate In Philippines As Typhoon Kalmaegi Nears Land

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — November 4, 2025. More than 150,000 residents have evacuated to safer ground across several eastern Philippine provinces as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches from the Pacific Ocean. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges that could reach up to three meters high.

The typhoon, locally known as Tino, was last tracked about 95 kilometers southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on Monday evening. It carried sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 170 kilometers per hour, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Authorities Mobilize Early Evacuation And Rescue Operations

Officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed that thousands of families have been relocated to evacuation centers across the Visayas and northern Mindanao regions. “We are prioritizing early evacuations to prevent casualties,” OCD Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said.

Disaster response teams, including Philippine Coast Guard units, have been placed on full alert for search, rescue, and relief operations. Fishermen and inter-island vessels have been barred from sailing, with over 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers stranded at nearly 100 seaports.

Cebu And Nearby Islands Brace For Impact

The province of Cebu, still recovering from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck in September, faces renewed risk from flooding and landslides. Local authorities have warned displaced residents in temporary shelters to move into stronger evacuation centers.

Governor RV Evardone of Eastern Samar said residents have taken the warnings seriously. “Because of their experience with Typhoon Haiyan, people know it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he told the Associated Press.

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Historical Parallels To Typhoon Haiyan’s Destruction

The looming threat has revived painful memories of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, which made landfall in the same region in 2013. Haiyan left more than 7,300 people dead or missing and flattened entire towns across the central Philippines.

Guiuan, where Haiyan first struck, is again under the typhoon’s projected path. Local officials have emphasized the importance of early preparation and community coordination to prevent another large-scale tragedy.

Disaster Agencies Warn Of Volcanic Mudflows And Flooding

On Negros Island, authorities have also raised alerts for possible volcanic mudflows near Kanlaon Volcano, which has recently emitted ash and steam. Heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and flooding in nearby communities.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to monitor volcanic activity while advising residents to avoid high-risk zones. Emergency response units have been instructed to prioritize access routes for medical and rescue teams.

Communities Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

Local governments across the Visayas have activated contingency plans, ensuring supplies of food, medicine, and clean water in evacuation centers. Power companies have preemptively shut down vulnerable transmission lines to prevent electrocution and further damage.

In Leyte, Samar, and Dinagat Islands, residents have reinforced homes and secured fishing boats. Many families have moved livestock and valuables to elevated areas. “People learned from Haiyan,” said a community leader from Tacloban. “We don’t take these warnings lightly anymore.”

Flights And Sea Travel Suspended Nationwide

The Philippine Coast Guard has confirmed that dozens of domestic flights and inter-island ferry trips have been suspended due to rough seas and low visibility. Major shipping routes from Manila to the Visayas remain closed until weather conditions improve.

Travelers have been advised to coordinate with airlines and port authorities for updates. Airlines have also offered rebooking options for passengers affected by cancellations.

Typhoon Kalmaegi’s Projected Path And Intensity

According to PAGASA’s latest bulletin, Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall late Monday or early Tuesday in Guiuan or nearby coastal towns. It may intensify further before crossing the central Philippines and exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday.

Meteorologists expect the typhoon to bring heavy rainfall across Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

Philippines Remains One Of The World’s Most Disaster-Prone Nations

The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons and storms each year, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries globally. The combination of climate change, geological instability, and dense coastal populations continues to challenge disaster management efforts.

Despite these recurring threats, officials emphasize that preparedness, community participation, and rapid information sharing can dramatically reduce casualties. As the nation braces for Kalmaegi’s landfall, the message from authorities is clear: “Evacuate early, stay alert, and prioritize safety.”