Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a nationwide state of calamity following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has left at least 114 people dead and over a hundred more missing after triggering catastrophic floods across central regions.

The declaration, announced on Thursday, enables the government to access emergency funds, streamline rescue efforts, and control the prices of essential goods. President Marcos cited the "immense destruction" from Kalmaegi and the threat of an approaching storm, Typhoon Uwan, as reasons for the measure.

"Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected," Marcos told reporters. "With that kind of scope and damage, this qualifies as a national calamity."

The island province of Cebu, the nation's most populous, bore the brunt of the storm, locally named Tino. Officials confirmed 71 deaths there alone, with provincial authorities reporting 28 additional fatalities pending inclusion in the national tally. Nationwide, 127 people remain missing and 82 are injured.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 400,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Cebu. Local authorities described the flooding as "unprecedented," with entire towns submerged under torrents of muddy water that swept away houses and vehicles.

The human cost extended to first responders, with six military personnel killed when their relief helicopter crashed on Mindanao island. Volunteer rescuers described being overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

After exiting the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi intensified over the South China Sea, with sustained winds reaching 155 km/h. The storm is now on a path toward Vietnam, prompting emergency preparations and the cancellation of dozens of flights. Thailand has also issued warnings for potential flash floods and landslides.

Kalmaegi is the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, exacerbating public frustration over infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The storm follows a series of recent typhoons that have caused significant damage and loss of life, and comes months after public outrage over unfinished flood control projects during heavy monsoon rains.

As cleanup operations begin, President Marcos Jr. urged national unity and resilience, vowing the government would "do everything possible" to assist affected communities.

"Filipinos have faced storms before," he said. "But together, we will rebuild, recover, and stand stronger than ever." (ILKHA)