The death toll in the Philippines from Tropical Storm Trami rose to 46 on Friday, with 20 people still missing, as authorities warned that the storm could loop back and strike the country again with heavy rain and winds next week.
As of Friday, nearly 240,000 people were seeking shelter in evacuation centres across affected regions, and 7,510 travellers remained stranded at ports, while 36 flights were cancelled. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured residents of continued aid, pledging on social media, “Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and even by sea.”
The storm, known locally as Kristine, hit the island of Luzon on Thursday with wind speeds reaching nearly 100 kilometres per hour (60 mph). Some areas reported receiving two months’ worth of rainfall in a single day, causing widespread landslides and flooding, particularly in the central Bicol region, which bore the brunt of the torrential rains.
Tropical Storm Trami has since moved into the South China Sea, heading towards Vietnam. However, the Philippines’ weather agency warned that Trami could potentially loop back due to nearby weather patterns, threatening further impacts on coastal areas in the coming days.
In a situational briefing, Marcos inspected flooded communities by air after suspending government work and classes for a third consecutive day across Luzon, including the capital, Manila. In Talisay town, Batangas province, residents have already begun cleanup efforts, with waist-high mud burying cars and debris strewn across streets.
“The rain was intense so no one was able to prepare, and many died,” said Romeo Albellar, a 55-year-old caretaker in Talisay. “My house was completely destroyed and no items were saved. We are back to zero.”
Landslides in Batangas province claimed at least nine lives, while authorities continue verifying the causes of death for 27 people in the Bicol region. The Philippines, which experiences around 20 tropical storms annually, faces frequent damage from severe weather, including destructive floods, landslides, and strong winds.
Melissa Enoch
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