At least 26 people have been killed and several others remain missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi locally known as Tino slammed into the central Philippines on Tuesday, unleashing torrential rains, destructive winds, and widespread flooding.

The powerful storm inundated low-lying communities, uprooted trees, and caused massive power outages across parts of Cebu, Leyte, and Samar. Streets turned into rivers as residents scrambled to safety, many forced to wait for rescue on rooftops and stranded vehicles.

Among the fatalities were six Philippine Air Force personnel, killed when their Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur province during a relief mission. Officials said the aircraft was delivering food and supplies to isolated villages when it went down amid strong winds and poor visibility.

Authorities have declared a state of calamity in several regions, while emergency teams struggle to reach hard-hit areas due to blocked roads and flooded terrain. Power and communication lines remain down in multiple provinces, further slowing rescue efforts.

Kalmaegi, packing winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph), made landfall early Tuesday and has since weakened slightly as it moved westward. However, meteorologists warn that continued heavy rainfall poses risks of landslides and flash floods.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to “mobilize all available resources” for rescue and recovery, stressing the importance of rapid assistance for affected communities.

As Kalmaegi tracks toward the South China Sea, authorities are urging residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to remain alert and heed evacuation advisories. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.