Tropical Storm Trami has wreaked havoc in the northeastern Philippines, leaving at least 24 people dead and many more in need of rescue. The storm, which hit the province of Isabela just after midnight on Thursday, triggered severe flooding and landslides, sweeping away vehicles and forcing authorities to deploy emergency motorboats to rescue stranded residents, including some who had taken refuge on rooftops.
Schools and Offices Shut Amid Disaster Response
To safeguard millions of residents, the government ordered the closure of schools and offices across the entire island of Luzon for the second consecutive day, with the exception of those involved in disaster response. Trami, which made landfall with winds of up to 95 kph (59 mph) and gusts of 160 kph (99 mph), was expected to move westward and into the South China Sea by Thursday evening, according to meteorological forecasts.
Rising Death Toll and Isolated Villages
Of the 24 confirmed fatalities, most were due to drowning in the heavily impacted Bicol region and Quezon province. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as reports from isolated villages, cut off by floodwaters and landslides, continue to come in. The Bicol region, which lies southeast of Manila, reported at least 20 deaths, including seven in Naga city, where flash floods dumped more than two months’ worth of rainfall in just 24 hours.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Despite government rescue efforts, thousands of villagers remained stranded, including those in the Bicol region and Naga city, where some were trapped on rooftops. Brigadier General Andre Dizon, the regional police chief, confirmed that over 1,500 police officers were deployed to aid in disaster relief, though limited resources such as motorboats were hampering efforts.
"We cannot rescue everyone at once. There are simply too many people in need of help, and we lack sufficient motorboats," Dizon said. Authorities are working on delivering food and water to those awaiting evacuation.
Damage and Displacement
Floodwaters in parts of Naga city submerged vehicles, while mudflows from the Mayon volcano in nearby Albay province engulfed others. Rescue operations continued to be hampered by the ongoing storm, complicating efforts to reach those in need.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that more than 2 million people were affected by the storm. Around 75,400 residents were displaced from their homes and are currently taking shelter in safer areas.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 storms and typhoons annually. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, left over 7,300 people dead or missing and caused widespread devastation.
With inputs from AP
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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