Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Kalmaegi nears the Philippines

Local officials confirmed ongoing evacuations in Palo and Tanauan, towns devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 that killed over 6,000. Roel Montesa, a disaster official, said shelters are filling as families move to safer ground. On Samar Island, thousands have been relocated since Sunday amid warnings of three-metre storm surges. Randy Nicart, a civil defence official, noted forced evacuations are happening in vulnerable towns like Guiuan, where the typhoon is expected to land first.

Preparations expand to nearby provinces

In the Dinagat Islands, south of Leyte, Governor Nilo Demerey said 10,000 to 15,000 people had been pre-emptively moved to safer locations. “We have been implementing pre-emptive evacuations for the past two days,” Demerey said. Joy Conales, another disaster official, reported residents of Loreto town were advised to move to higher ground. The town has a wave-breaker dike designed to reduce storm surge impacts but likely won't withstand Kalmaegi’s hit.

Climate patterns intensify storm frequency

Charmaine Varilla from the national weather service confirmed Kalmaegi is the 20th storm to hit the Philippines this year, matching the country’s annual average. She warned that “three to five more storms” could develop before December, especially under La Niña conditions that boost storm activity. Scientists warn that climate change is increasing storm severity and risks for millions living in vulnerable, low-lying areas.

Recent storms heighten alert levels

The country is still recovering from two major storms in September, including Super Typhoon Ragasa, which tore through the region, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and causing the death of 14 people in neighbouring Taiwan. With Kalmaegi now approaching, emergency teams are on high alert, organising food supplies, temporary shelters, and medical support across the Visayas region.