A tropical storm named Trami has wreaked havoc across the northern Philippines, inundating the region with rainfall equivalent to an entire month’s worth, resulting in devastating floods and landslides. The death toll has risen to over 20, while an astonishing 150,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Making landfall on Thursday along the northeast coast of Luzon, the storm primarily impacted the Bicol peninsula where residents found themselves fleeing to the upper levels of their homes, as floodwaters surged. The Philippines’ state weather bureau noted that Trami's precipitation was unusually heavy compared to typical typhoons for this season.
Desperate for rescue, individuals trapped on their rooftops shared distressing photos through social media platforms, prompting the coast guard to launch rescue operations using rubber boats. “It’s getting dangerous. We’re waiting for rescuers,” shared Karen Tabagan, a resident of Bato.
The storm, also referred to locally as Kristine, caused significant disruption across the country, affecting over two million people. Areas surrounding the active volcano Mount Mayon witnessed particularly destructive volcanic mudslides, or lahars, burying vehicles and properties in dark grey mud.
Ana Claren, a forecaster in Manila, reported that Bicol received an alarming volume of rainfall in just 24 hours, surpassing the average rainfall levels recorded over the last three decades. “The rains were really severe. We did not expect this,” stated Glenda Bonga, the acting governor of Albay province, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
With winds reaching up to 95 km/h (59 mph), Trami is expected to exit the north-west coast of the Philippines late Thursday evening. Rescue operations have also been complicated by strong currents, with rescuers searching for a missing fisherman whose boat sank off Bulacan province.
Air travel has faced disruption, with multiple flights cancelled, even as officials continue to issue warnings of potential heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. Concern grows as another low-pressure area develops off the coast of Bicol, hinting at the possibility of more storms by week's end. The Philippines typically encounters four typhoons per year, but recent trends show increasing intensity and frequency, causing deeper concerns for the future.
