Typhoon Kalmaegi Threatens Eastern Philippines: Mass Evacuations Ordered

Philippine officials have initiated mass evacuations as Typhoon Kalmaegi, with winds up to 120 km/h, approaches. The storm poses a threat with torrential rains and tidal surges. Coastal regions are on high alert, reflecting the nation's vulnerability to natural disasters like past Typhoon Haiyan.

Philippine authorities have ordered mass evacuations in anticipation of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which is bearing down on the east-central region with powerful winds and imminent storm surges. Fishing activities have been prohibited as residents brace for the typhoon's impact.

Currently positioned 235 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar province, Kalmaegi is expected to bring winds reaching 120 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 150 km/h. The typhoon is forecast to make landfall later today, posing significant threats to central island provinces still recovering from a recent earthquake.

Officials, recalling the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, have issued evacuation orders for over 70,000 individuals. Disaster-response teams are on high alert, fully aware of the island nation's susceptibility to frequent natural calamities.

(With inputs from agencies.)