Tropical Storm Trami, which struck the Philippines on October 24, has left a devastating impact, forcing more than a million people to flee their homes and resulting in a rising death toll currently at 100. Rescuers are tirelessly working to locate dozens of missing individuals, with efforts focused on areas heavily affected by mudslides, flooding, and fallen debris.
As of Sunday, search and rescue operations have intensified, with over 20 bodies recovered from the wreckage of mud, boulders, and fallen trees. The national disaster agency reports that at least 36 people are still unaccounted for, and many residents remain trapped in their homes, seeking refuge on rooftops and upper floors.
The Bicol region has been particularly hard hit, reporting 38 deaths, primarily due to drowning. Police officials in Batangas, south of Manila, have confirmed that the death toll in their province has risen to 55, with additional fatalities from electrocution and drowning in nearby Cavite.
“We are still receiving many calls, and we are trying to save as many people as we can,” stated Bicol regional police director Andre Dizon. He expressed hope that no further casualties would be reported as rescuers continue their life-saving efforts.
Rescue teams are also searching Taal Lake in Batangas for a family of seven who were swept away when floodwaters surged into their home. Provincial police chief Jacinto Malinao indicated that most of the fatalities in Batangas are linked to rain-induced landslides, exacerbated by the storm’s impact.
The national disaster agency reported that approximately 560,000 people have been displaced due to the flooding, which has submerged hundreds of villages across the northern Philippines. Authorities emphasize the urgency of the situation, indicating that the death toll may rise further as rescuers reach previously isolated locations.
The Philippines is no stranger to severe weather, with about 20 significant storms and typhoons affecting the archipelago each year, often leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. A recent study highlights the growing intensity of storms in the Asia-Pacific region, a trend attributed to climate change, which causes storms to form closer to coastlines and escalate more rapidly.
Sources By Agencies
