MANILA: The central Philippines is grappling with one of the deadliest typhoons this year, as authorities report that flooding caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi has claimed at least 114 lives.

Cebu, the most populous island in the region, bore the brunt of the storm, with 71 confirmed deaths, 127 people still missing, and 82 injured, officials said.

Cebu provincial authorities have additionally reported 28 fatalities not included in the national civil defence figures.

Kalmaegi exited the Philippines on Thursday morning and is now moving toward central Vietnam, where flooding has also caused significant casualties.

Most fatalities were due to drowning, as the typhoon unleashed torrents of muddy water that swept down hillsides into towns and cities.

Residential areas in Cebu suffered heavy damage, with many small buildings destroyed and streets left under thick layers of mud from retreating floodwaters. Local officials described the scale of the disaster as “unprecedented.”

Residents returning to their homes are facing the grim aftermath of the floods. Jel-an Moira Servas, a business owner in Mandaue City, recounted how quickly her house was inundated. She and her family evacuated with only essential items, such as food and electronics, as water quickly rose to waist level.

“Right now, the rain has stopped and the sun is out, but our homes are still filled with mud, and everything inside is in shambles,” she said. “We don’t even know where to start cleaning. I can’t even look at it without crying.”

Authorities continue search and rescue operations, but the devastation left behind underscores the destructive power of this year’s strongest typhoon in the region.