The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has battered the Philippines since Sunday, has risen to 85, while at least 75 people remain missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In its latest update, the NDRRMC reported that most of the fatalities were recorded in the central province of Cebu, one of the worst-hit areas. The agency added that search and rescue operations are still underway for those missing in floods and landslides triggered by the typhoon.

More than 706,000 people have been affected by the storm, with dozens injured and thousands forced to flee their homes as heavy rains and strong winds caused severe flooding and infrastructure damage.

Local media also reported that six people were killed when a military helicopter crashed during a relief mission in the province of Agusan del Sur.

Kalmaegi, the 20th typhoon to hit the Philippine archipelago this year, is expected to leave the country’s territory by late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, moving toward the South China Sea.

Authorities have warned of continuing risks of landslides and flash floods in affected areas, urging residents to remain cautious. (ILKHA)