Rescue operations in the Philippines were suspended on Saturday, with authorities calling for pre-emptive evacuations as a super-typhoon is expected to hit nearly the entire country within the next 24 hours, officials said.
The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which wreaked havoc across the country, rose to 204 on Saturday, according to rescue officials.
The Meteorological Department has warned, “The super-typhoon could bring heavy rains of 200 mm or more, causing widespread flooding.”
As of 11 am local standard time, the storm was moving towards Luzon with winds of 140 kph and gusts of up to 170 kph. Landfall is forecast for late Sunday or early Monday in Aurora province.
Residents living along the coastline have been urged to evacuate immediately.
In Catanduanes, which is expected to take a direct hit, locals are securing roofs with ropes and weights.
Also Read: Typhoon Kalmaegi batters Vietnam; Philippines toll climbs to 188
Kalmaegi, the deadliest storm of 2025, devastated Cebu, sweeping away homes and vehicles. Five more died in Vietnam on Friday as a result of the disastrous typhoon.
In Cebu, search and rescue was halted at 3 pm on Saturday with officials saying rescuers’ lives can’t be risked. “We cannot risk our rescuers’ lives,” said official Myrra Daven.
The missing tally of 57 is expected to rise as blocked routes remain inaccessible. Northern provinces are prioritising zero casualties.
“The Philippines has faced too many disasters already,” rued Catanduanes rescuer Roberto Monterola.
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