International Desk, Daily Nasa News.

Typhoon Kalmegi has struck the central region of the Philippines. The storm’s destructive force, accompanied by heavy rainfall and severe flooding, has submerged many areas including Cebu Island. So far, the country’s authorities have confirmed the deaths of 66 people. According to government officials, Kalmegi made landfall yesterday, Tuesday, 4 November, around noon local time in the islands of Cebu, Negros and Panay. At that time, its wind speed ranged from 150 km (93 miles) to 185 km (115 miles) per hour.

The country’s disaster management department stated that 49 deaths have been reported from Cebu alone. Most of the victims drowned. Many others remain missing. Nearly 400,000 people have already been evacuated from the storm’s possible path. Cebu Governor Pamela Bariquatro said, "The situation in Cebu is truly unprecedented. We thought strong winds would cause the main damage, but... the real danger is the water. The flooding has caused devastating destruction."

Meanwhile, the military has confirmed that a helicopter belonging to the armed forces crashed in the Northern Mindanao region during relief operations. According to the latest information, Kalmegi is now moving toward Vietnam. Although the storm has weakened, record rainfall is already occurring there.