A tropical storm named Trami has caused widespread flooding and landslides in the northeastern Philippines, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals. Many victims were swept away or drowned as the storm struck, particularly affecting villages in the Bicol region and Quezon province.
The situation has prompted a desperate rescue operation, with authorities scrambling for motorboats to save residents trapped on rooftops and in floodwaters.
In response to the severe weather, the Philippine government has shut down schools and non-essential offices across Luzon for the second consecutive day, prioritizing disaster response efforts.
Tropical Storm Trami made landfall in Isabela province shortly after midnight, bringing sustained winds of 95 kph (59 mph) and gusts up to 115 kph (71 mph). By Thursday afternoon, the storm began moving away from the coast toward the South China Sea, where it may intensify into a typhoon.
The storm’s impact has been particularly devastating in the Bicol region, where the majority of the fatalities occurred. Naga City reported significant flooding, with over two months’ worth of rainfall falling in just 24 hours at high tide, leading to flash floods that trapped many residents. As authorities continue to assess the damage, it is feared that the death toll could rise as isolated areas begin to communicate their conditions.
Tropical Storm Trami Triggers Deadly Floods and Landslides in the Philippines, Killing 24 and Displacing Thousands
Rescue efforts have seen thousands of villagers saved, but many more remain in perilous situations, particularly in the Bicol region. Approximately 1,500 police officers are involved in the disaster response, and officials are working to deliver food and water to those stranded. Challenges persist as stormy weather hampers rescue operations, complicating efforts to reach all affected individuals.
The disaster has left over 2 million people affected, with more than 75,000 displaced from their homes. The government’s disaster mitigation agency reported significant damage, including over 1,000 destroyed houses and nearly 300 impassable roads and bridges due to flooding and landslides.
In addition, inter-island ferry services have been suspended at over 120 seaports, stranding around 7,000 passengers and cargo workers. The Philippines frequently experiences tropical storms, and past events like Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 have highlighted the potential severity of such natural disasters.
