Tropical Storm Trami swept away from the northwestern Philippines on Friday, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. At least 82 people have been confirmed dead due to landslides and extensive flooding, with thousands more affected by the torrential rains and fierce winds.
Authorities have been scrambling to deploy additional rescue boats to reach terrified residents, many of whom were trapped on rooftops as floodwaters rose swiftly. The disaster has prompted a massive rescue and relief operation across the affected regions.
Despite moving away from the archipelago, meteorologists warned that the storm’s impact might not be over. State forecasters raised the rare possibility that Trami—the 11th and one of the deadliest storms to hit the Philippines this year—could make a U-turn next week. High-pressure winds in the South China Sea may push the storm back towards the country, posing further risks to already battered communities.
“We are monitoring the situation closely,” a state forecaster said. “The behavior of the storm is unusual, and we urge the public to stay vigilant.”
In Batangas province, south of Manila, a provincial police chief reported that 49 people were killed, mostly in landslides triggered by the storm. This figure contributed significantly to the overall death toll of at least 82.
The Philippines, being situated along the typhoon belt in the Pacific, regularly experiences severe storms and typhoons, causing significant loss of life and property. The government’s disaster response teams are working tirelessly to provide relief and assistance to affected families.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
