In brief
More than 20 fatalities have been reported as Tropical Storm Trami unleashed record rainfall across the northern Philippines, prompting mass evacuations and widespread destruction.
A tropical storm, known locally as Kristine, unleashed an unprecedented deluge across the northern Philippines, resulting in over 20 fatalities and displacing approximately 150,000 residents. Trami made landfall on Thursday, battering the northeast coast of Luzon—the country's most densely populated island—with a month's worth of rain in a mere 24 hours. The Bicol peninsula faced the brunt of the storm, leading frightened residents and their pets to seek refuge on the rooftops of their inundated homes.The Philippine state weather bureau reported that the rainfall from Trami exceeded standard measurements recorded over the past three decades, indicating its unusual severity. "The rains were exceptionally intense. We did not anticipate this," stated Glenda Bonga, acting governor of Albay province, in an interview with local media outlet ANC.The storm also triggered volcanic mudslides, or lahars, in areas surrounding Mount Mayon, an active volcano in Bicol. Images flooding social media captured the devastation, with cars and homes partially buried in thick, grey mud. Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to strong currents and winds reaching speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph). "Rescue operations are becoming increasingly perilous," Geraldine Martinez, a rescue officer in Obando municipality, reported.The storm's impact has been widespread, affecting over 2 million residents and leading to the cancellation of numerous flights throughout the country. As authorities continue their search for a missing fisherman after his boat sank in Bulacan province, officials remain vigilant, warning of further flooding and potential storm surges. The Philippine Islands typically endure an average of four typhoons yearly, but recent storms have manifested with greater force and catastrophic consequences. The weather bureau has advised that another low-pressure area forming off Bicol could potentially develop into yet another tropical depression by week's end.
