Typhoon Kalmaegi,known in the Philippines as Typhoon Tino,is an active tropical cyclone currently threatening Vietnam after devastating portions of the central Philippines,particularly Cebu. The twenty-fifth named storm and twelfth typhoon of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season,Kalmaegi originated from an area of convection on October30. The following day,it was later classified as a tropical depression as the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) at 02:00UTC. At 12:00UTC,the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) upgraded the system to a tropical storm and assigned it the name Kalmaegi,as environmental conditions became increasingly favorable for development. The JTWC followed suit at 21:00UTC,also designating it as a tropical storm. The system entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 05:30PHT on November2 (21:30UTC on the previous day) and was named Tino by the Philippine Atmospheric,Geophysical,and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). At 12:00UTC,the JMA upgraded Kalmaegi to a severe tropical storm. By 03:00UTC on November3,PAGASA,the JTWC,and the JMA all upgraded the system to typhoon status,citing a highly favorable environment for rapid intensification.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.4,indicating winds of 73–114mph (118–184km/h) in 12hours was hoisted in numerous areas. Kalmaegi generated strong winds and flooding that left at least 116 people dead and 127 others missing in the Philippines,mostly in Cebu.
Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity,according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Kalmaegi originated from an area of convection that developed on October30, located about 313 nautical miles (580km) east-southeast of Yap. Satellite imagery showed cycling deep convection over a poorly organized low-level circulation center (LLCC). The disturbance was embedded in a favorable environment for tropical cyclogenesis, with low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs).[1] On the following day, the JMA classified the system as a tropical depression as its LLCC slowly consolidated.[2] The JTWC noted that the depression remained in an environment conducive for further development, characterized by light vertical wind shear and warm SSTs.[3] Around 05:00PHT (21:00UTC on the previous day) on November1, PAGASA also classified the system as a tropical depression.[4]
The JTWC issued a TCFA at around 02:00UTC on November1, citing a high probability of further development as the system moved west northwestward.[5] The JTWC noted a broad low-level circulation center (LLCC) with convection concentrated north of the center and some curved banding features. Favorable environmental conditions persisted, supported by good poleward outflow.[6] As the LLCC gradually consolidated and convective banding wrapped around its northern semicircle, the system began tracking northwestward along the southwestern edge of a subtropical ridge.[7][8] At 06:00UTC, the JMA noted that, while the system remained in a favorable environment, the limited organization of its structure caused it to maintain its intensity for several hours.[9] The JTWC later designated the system as 31W at 09:00UTC.[10]
At around 12:00UTC, the JMA upgraded 31W to a tropical storm, assigning it the name Kalmaegi.[11] The JTWC observed a symmetric central dense overcast (CDO) enveloping the LLCC and described the system as compact as it tracked along the southern periphery of a subtropical ridge located to the northeast.[12] By 21:00UTC, the JTWC also classified Kalmaegi as a tropical storm, citing an expanding CDO and a highly favorable environment for further intensification.[13] The storm later entered the PAR at 05:30PHT on November2 (the day before at 21:30UTC) and was given the local name Tino.[14] Satellite imagery showed robust radial outflow and intense central convection, with the deepest convection concentrated over the northern and western semicircles.[15]
At 17:00PHT (09:00UTC), PAGASA upgraded Kalmaegi to a severe tropical storm.[16] The JMA noted a temporary pause in intensification before the storm resumed strengthening.[17] The JTWC reported deep convective bursts over the center and a developing banding feature to the north, with microwave imagery showing a small nascent eye and strong convection slightly displaced to the south. These features reflected an increasingly favorable environment for intensification.[18] Three hours later, the JMA upgraded Kalmaegi to a severe tropical storm.[19][20] The JTWC noted two distinct clusters of deep convection forming an oblong-shaped CDO.[21] Six hours later, two lobes were evident: the southeastern one was positioned directly over the LLCC and served as the main region of deep convection, while the northwestern lobe featured strong poleward convection.[22] At 03:00UTC on November 3, the JTWC upgraded Kalmaegi to a typhoon, citing a persistently favorable environment and strong outflow enhanced by trade winds. Multispectral satellite imagery showed a compact core with deep convection wrapping around its center.[23][24] At the same time, the JMA and PAGASA also upgraded the system to a typhoon when it was about 368 nautical miles (682km) north-northeast of Sonsorol.[25][26] The JTWC reported that Kalmaegi had deep convection circling the core and failed to form an eye due to northeasterly wind shear despite the system being in a favorable environment.[27]
Typhoon Kalmaegi making landfall over Palawan during November4–5
On November 4, Kalmaegi intensified into a Category2-equivalent typhoon before making landfall over Silago, Southern Leyte at around 00:00PHT (16:00UTC), but it then weakened back into a Category1 typhoon due to interaction with land.[28] It subsequently made three more landfalls in Borbon, Cebu, Sagay, Negros Occidental, and San Lorenzo, Guimaras at 05:10PHT (21:10UTC), 06:40PHT (22:40UTC) and 11:10PHT (03:10UTC) respectively on the same day.[29][30] Due to the high number of landfalls that it made, Kalmaegi slightly weakened and decelerated as it headed towards the Iloilo Strait.[31] At 13:20PHT (05:20UTC), Kalmaegi made its fifth landfall over Iloilo City.[32] It then made a sixth landfall over Magsaysay in the Cuyo Archipelago of Palawan at 19:30PHT (11:30UTC).[33] At 04:10PHT (20:10UTC) on November 5, Kalmaegi made its seventh landfall over Batas Island in Taytay, Palawan,[34] followed by an eighth landfall at 04:40PHT (20:40UTC) over El Nido, Palawan.[35]
Afterwards, Kalmaegi emerged through the South China Sea, steadily reorganizing again over favorable conditions.[36] Kalmaegi rapidly intensified into a category 3-equivalent typhoon early on November 6 as it started to develop a ragged eye.[37] Later that day, JMA upgraded the storm into a Very Strong Typhoon. The JWTC followed suit, and upgraded it into a category 4-equivalent typhoon.
Preparations
Philippines
Visualization of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals of Kalmaegi (Tino) from PAGASA on 14:00PHT (06:00UTC) on November 3.
At 11:00PHT (03:00UTC) on November2, PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.1, indicating winds of 24 to 38mph (39 to 61km/h) after 38 hours, to Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Bucas Grande.[38] Seven more provinces were put on Signal No.1 six hours later: six in the Visayas and one in Mindanao.[16] At 23:00PHT (15:00UTC), Guiuan, Salcedo, and Mercedes in Eastern Samar, and the Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, were placed in Signal No.2, indicating winds of 39 to 55mph (62 to 88km/h) in a 24-hour period as more areas were placed under Signal No.1.[39] By 05:00PHT on November3 (21:00UTC the previous day), Signal No.2 was hoisted to an additional 11 provinces.[40] At 08:00PHT (00:00UTC), Guiuan, Mercedes, the Dinagat Islands, and the Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands were added to Signal No.3, signifying winds of 55 to 73mph (89 to 117km/h) in 18hours.[41] At 11:00PHT (03:00UTC), the southern portion of Eastern Samar, Marabut in Samar, the central and southern portions of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Camotes Islands, the eastern portion of Bohol, Dinagat Islands, the northern portion of Surigao del Norte were issued Signal No.3.[26] Three hours later, the Dinagat, Siargao, and Bucas Grande Islands were upgraded to Signal No.4, indicating winds of 73 to 114mph (118 to 184km/h) winds in 12 hours.[42] At 17:00PHT (09:00UTC), Guiuan, the southern portion of Leyte, Southern Leyte, the Camotes Islands, and the northeastern portion of Bohol was added to Signal No.4.[43] Three hours later, Mercedes, the western portion of Leyte, and the northern portion of Cebu was added to Signal No.4.[44] At 23:00PHT (15:00UTC), the northernmost portion of Negros Oriental, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, and Guimaras was added to the signal.[45] Three hours later, the central and southern portions of Iloilo and the southern portion of Antique was added.[46]
A province-wide class suspension was experienced in Cavite. Fifteen municipalities and cities in Laguna suspended classes in all levels. Two towns in Quezon refrained from holding classes in pre-school levels. Classes were ceased in the entire province of Oriental Mindoro; in Palawan, six municipalities abstained from holding classes. Seventeen local government units in Romblon, five in Marinduque, and one in Occidental Mindoro suspended classes.[59]
Vietnam
On the afternoon of November 4, several communes and wards in Gia Lai province began mobilizing and evacuating people in vulnerable areas at high risk of landslides and flooding.[60]
Elsewhere
The United States National Weather Service, on November1, alerted the Yap island group to monitor any forecasts and changes due to the Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert; the report said that scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms were possible in the islands for the next couple of days.[61]
Impact
Philippines
Baybay Boulevard, Borongan during the onslaught of Kalmaegi with storm surge.
On November4, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that 4,704 people, 1,649 rolling cargoes and 1,643 maritime vessels were stranded or seeking shelter in 104 ports throughout the country.[62] At least 138 flights were cancelled, affecting 16,000 passengers.[63] Power outages were reported in Dinagat Islands,[64] which was placed under a state of calamity.[65] The Office of Civil Defense reported that nearly 340,000 individuals were affected from the typhoon.[66] The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 2,144 people were affected in Mimaropa, 133,554 were reported in Region 6 (Western Visayas), 428 were reported in the Negros Island Region, 11,140 were reported in Region 7 (Central Visayas), 29,160 were reported in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and 11,100 were reported in Caraga.[59] Seventy-six schools were damaged, mostly in Eastern Visayas.[67] At least 21 roads and five bridges were rendered impassable.[68]
Kalmaegi generated strong winds and flooding that left at least 116 dead,[69] 82 injured and 127 missing in the Philippines.[70] At least 111 deaths occurred in Cebu,[71] including 35 in Liloan,[72] 15 in Compostela, 12 each in Cebu City and Mandaue, eight in Danao and seven in Talisay. Twenty-eight missing people were reported in Cebu City after the Butuanon River swelled and caused flooding. The city's mayor, Nestor Archival, estimated that around 200,000 houses were damaged or inundated. Half of barangay Bacayan was flooded, with many residents saying it was the first such incident in the area in 35 years.[73] Floodwaters in Mandaue reached chest levels, causing people to go to evacuation centers. Flooding sometimes reached the second floor of houses; all barangays in the city were affected by the flooding.[74] A state of calamity was declared in Cebu.[75] Its governor, Pam Baricuatro, said Kalmaegi brought the "worst flash flood caused by a typhoon" in the province’s history.[76] A state of calamity was also declared in Cebu City,[77] with half of the city reported to be submerged.[78] The inauguration of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System was delayed.[79]
In Negros Occidental, at least 24 people were killed, while 41 were reported missing, mostly in La Castellana.[80] Nine people were killed in Negros Oriental, while 18 others went missing.[81] A barangay official also died in Panglao, Bohol due to a falling coconut tree.[82] The major causes of deaths were drowning and being struck by trees.[83] An elderly villager drowned in floodwaters in Southern Leyte, where a province-wide power outage occurred.[84] A state of calamity was declared in Silago.[85] The entire service area of Negros Power in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod, lost electricity, affecting 250,000 customers.[86] The Wright–Taft Road in Taft, Eastern Samar was unpassable. A national road in Alaminos was only reported as passable in one lane.[59]
A Super Huey helicopter of the Philippine Air Force crashed on its way to conduct disaster reconnaissance in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, killing six people.[87] Two ships collided with each other in the port of Jolo, Sulu.[88] In Antique, seven municipalities experienced power outages. In Surigao del Norte, two towns also experienced power interruptions.[59] Within 24 hours, Kalmaegi generated 235.2mm (9.26in) of rain in Maasin, Southern Leyte, and 183mm (7.2in) of rain in Lapu-Lapu City, which was greater than the monthly average in those areas.[89] A national high school in Cagdianao was extensively damaged.[90] The Visayas State University in Baybay sustained heavy damage.[91] Two people died in separate storm-related incidents in Capiz and Antique.[92] One person died after a boat capsized in Maguindanao del Sur.[93] A barangay in Mogpog, Marinduque experienced 1 foot (0.30 metres) floods. Four barangays in Cataingan and one barangay in Cawayan underwent floods as well. A rain-induced landslide was reported in Antique, burying a motorcycle.[94] A family of four died in Mandaue while a four-month-old infant died in floodwaters. In island barangays in Guiuan, 30 percent of homes were damaged.[82] The town was also placed under a state of calamity.[95] Uprooted trees and damaged electrical lines were reported in Lapu-Lapu City, but no deaths were recorded.[75] In Iloilo City, 243 houses were damaged, while 23 were destroyed.[96]
Response
Due to the flooding in Mandaue, 30 people from the city's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office were deployed to rescue residents; the office was placed on red alert.[74] Clearing operations started in the city while the local government assessed the damages.[97] President Bongbong Marcos told government agencies to speed up recovery efforts for areas affected by the typhoon, directing his cabinet members to visit the affected places.[98] The Department of Health declared a code white alert to ensure faster deployment of medical assistance.[99] The provincial government of Cebu redeployed heavy equipment from the north of the province that were used in the 2025 Cebu earthquake to areas affected by the storm and declared a state of calamity due to widespread destruction.[73][100]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
