ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH – His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. following the devastating impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which struck the central part of the Philippines.
In an official statement released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), November 7, 2025, the Crown Prince expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of the Philippines.
He also wished for the safe return of the missing and a speedy recovery for the injured.
“Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time. We pray for the victims of Typhoon Kalmaegi and for the country’s swift recovery,” the Crown Prince said in his message.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves 114 Dead in the Philippines, Hundreds of Thousands Displaced
Typhoon Kalmaegi has killed at least 114 people and displaced over 400,000 residents in the central Philippines, particularly on Cebu Island, the region’s most populous area.
The storm, one of the strongest typhoons of 2025, caused widespread flooding, landslides, and massive damage to homes and infrastructure. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of calamity to expedite the release of emergency funds and coordinate rescue efforts.
“Almost 10 to 12 regions are affected. With this scale of impact, it’s clearly a national calamity,” President Marcos told local media in Manila.
Officials reported that most of the fatalities were due to drowning as floodwaters and landslides swept through residential areas. Rescue operations continue amid reports of 127 missing persons and 82 injured.
Vietnam and Thailand Brace for Typhoon Kalmaegi’s Next Impact
After devastating the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi is now heading toward central Vietnam, bringing winds exceeding 140 km/h and waves up to eight meters high, according to Vietnam’s weather bureau.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of thousands of coastal residents, suspended six airports, and canceled over 50 flights in preparation for the storm.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha described Kalmaegi as an “extremely abnormal storm”, urging local governments to act with urgency. Thailand has also issued warnings for possible flash floods and landslides in northern and coastal provinces.
Survivors Struggle Amid Widespread Destruction in Cebu
In Cebu, residents are returning to homes destroyed by the storm, with many reporting unprecedented flooding.
Jel-an Moira Servas, a resident of Mandaue City, told that within minutes her house was waist-deep in water.
“The rain has stopped, but our homes are filled with mud. Everything inside is in ruins. We don’t even know where to start cleaning,” she said tearfully.
Meanwhile, six crew members of a military rescue helicopter were killed after their aircraft crashed on Mindanao Island while on a relief mission.
Volunteer rescuer Carlos Jose Lañas, 19, said even seasoned responders were overwhelmed.
“This is the worst flood I’ve ever seen. Even emergency teams weren’t prepared for this kind of disaster,” he said.
Global Solidarity with the Philippines
The condolence message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman adds to the growing wave of international support for the Philippines. Neighboring countries and global humanitarian organizations have begun mobilizing aid supplies, rescue teams, and medical assistance.
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, is the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2025, coming just weeks after a series of deadly storms, including Super Typhoon Ragasa (Nando) and Typhoon Bualoi (Opong).
As the Philippines continues its recovery efforts, the global community has called for stronger disaster preparedness measures and more resilient climate adaptation systems across Southeast Asia. (AT Network)
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