Thousands Evacuated as Typhoon Kalmaegi Approaches Philippines

Thousands of residents in the eastern Philippines were evacuated Monday as Typhoon Kalmaegi moved toward Leyte island, an area devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

Kalmaegi is forecast to bring sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h, according to the state weather bureau. Officials in Leyte confirmed ongoing evacuations in the towns of Palo and Tanauan, both heavily affected during Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people.

On neighbouring Samar, authorities began clearing coastal zones Sunday, warning of storm surges up to three meters. Some local governments have initiated forced evacuations, including the town of Guiuan, where landfall is expected.

Further south, in Dinagat Islands, officials said 10K–15K people had already been moved to safety. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to shift to higher ground as precautionary measures continued.

The Philippines averages 20 tropical cyclones annually, and Kalmaegi already marks that yearly threshold. Meteorologists warn that La Nina conditions could bring three to five more storms by year-end.

Scientists say climate change is intensifying severe weather. The country recently endured two powerful storms in September, including Super Typhoon Ragasa, which left a trail of destruction and caused fatalities in Taiwan.