The northeastern Philippines is reeling from the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Trami, which has caused widespread flooding and landslides, claiming the lives of at least 24 people. The storm, which made landfall in the country’s northeastern province of Isabela after midnight on Thursday, brought torrential rainfall, leading to severe flooding that submerged cars and isolated entire communities.
The storm’s fury was particularly felt in the Bicol region and nearby Quezon province, where the majority of the fatalities were reported. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach remote areas cut off by flooding and landslides. The Bicol region was especially hard-hit, receiving more than two months’ worth of rainfall in just 24 hours as Trami approached on Tuesday. The heavy rain coincided with high tide, causing flash floods to inundate Naga city and claim the lives of seven residents.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but the challenging conditions are hindering progress. Thousands of villagers trapped in floodwaters have been rescued by government forces, but many more remain stranded, including some who have sought refuge on rooftops. “We can’t rescue them all at once because there are so many and we need additional motorboats,” said Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, regional police chief, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Efforts are underway to deliver food and water to those who cannot be evacuated immediately.
The storm’s impact has been widespread. The government has shut down schools and offices – except those essential for disaster response – for the second day on the entire main island of Luzon to protect millions of people. More than 2 million people have been affected by the storm, including 75,400 villagers displaced from their homes. Mudflows from Mayon volcano in nearby Albay province have further compounded the situation, engulfing vehicles and hampering relief efforts.
The Philippines is no stranger to typhoons, with an average of 20 storms and typhoons battering the country each year. The country’s vulnerability to these natural disasters is underscored by the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing and flattened entire villages. As the storm continues to make its way westward towards the South China Sea, concerns remain for the safety of those in its path. The immediate focus remains on rescuing those trapped, providing aid to those displaced, and assessing the full extent of the damage.