The Philippines is reeling from the catastrophic aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed over 100 lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake. The central province of Cebu bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing the worst flooding in recent memory. Unprecedented floodwaters swept through towns and cities, carrying away vehicles, riverside shanties, and even massive shipping containers. Cebu spokesman Rhon Ramos reported that 35 bodies were recovered from Liloan, a town within Cebu City’s metro area, bringing the death toll in Cebu alone to 76. On Negros Island, at least 12 people perished, and 12 remain missing after volcanic mudflows triggered by the typhoon buried homes in Canlaon City. The disaster has exposed vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, with scientists warning that warmer oceans and a moisture-laden atmosphere are intensifying storms. The tragedy has also reignited public outrage over a corruption scandal involving ‘ghost’ flood-control projects, which allegedly siphoned billions of dollars meant for disaster mitigation. As the Philippines braces for more storms, the nation faces an uphill battle in rebuilding and addressing systemic issues that amplify the impact of such natural disasters.