The storm has killed at least two people, according to reports from the national disaster agency and local media
By Asaye Bankole
Heavy rains and strong winds from Typhoon Kalmaegi forced residents in central Philippines to seek shelter on rooftops, while cars were seen floating through flooded streets.
The storm has killed at least two people, according to reports from the national disaster agency and local media.
Kalmaegi made landfall just before midnight, displacing hundreds of thousands of people across the Visayas region, parts of southern Luzon, and northern Mindanao.
Typhoon Kalmaegi swept through the central Philippine islands of Cebu, Negros, and Panay on Tuesday, bringing strong winds of 150km/h (93mph) and gusts of up to 185km/h. The powerful storm toppled trees and knocked out power lines.
In Talisay City, Cebu, homes were completely flooded, with only rooftops visible above the water, as shown in a video posted by DZRH radio on Facebook.
Similar scenes of flooding in Cebu City, with vehicles and streets underwater, spread across social media, with people pleading for rescue in some videos. A landslide in Tabuelan, Cebu, made a road impassable. On Bohol island, one person was killed after being pinned down by a fallen tree, according to DYMA radio station.
An elderly person drowned after being trapped in their home on Leyte island, as reported by DZMM radio station.
The weather agency PAGASA says Typhoon Kalmaegi is bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the Visayas region. The storm is expected to stay strong as it moves through the country.
Over 160 flights have been cancelled- People at sea are told to go to a safe place.
There is also a high risk of big waves and flooding in coastal areas.
Around 156,000 people have been moved to safety. The Philippines gets about 20 storms a year and is still recovering from recent disasters.
Scientists say storms are getting stronger and more frequent because of climate change. They expect 3-5 more storms by December.
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