Tropical Storm Trami Ravages the Philippines, Claims 26 Lives, Displaces Thousands

MANILA :  In a devastating blow to the Philippines, Tropical Storm Trami, locally referred to as severe tropical storm Kristine, has left at least 26 people dead and forced over 150,000 residents to abandon their homes. The storm, which made landfall on the northeastern coast of Luzon, has unleashed widespread chaos with torrential rains, triggering severe flooding and deadly landslides.

With maximum sustained winds of 95 kph (59 mph), Trami has been barreling through the mountainous northern region of Cordillera and is expected to continue its westward path towards the South China Sea, as per the state weather agency's latest bulletin at 11 a.m. (0300 GMT). Authorities have warned residents in the northern provinces to brace for more heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and potentially dangerous storm surges.
Widespread Destruction Across Luzon

The hardest-hit regions include the central Bicol area, where the death toll has been the highest. In Naga City alone, 14 fatalities were reported, with many more lives lost due to drowning and landslides. Meanwhile, in Divilacan, a northeastern town in Isabela province where Trami made landfall, disaster officials are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far.

The storm's onslaught has severely impacted daily life, with businesses and schools in affected areas being ordered to close. The central bank was forced to halt foreign exchange trading and monetary operations for a second consecutive day, while flights across the country were cancelled, causing widespread travel disruptions.

The civil defence office has confirmed that over 163,000 individuals are currently taking refuge in evacuation centers, particularly in Bicol, where entire communities were forced to flee after floodwaters surged, reaching the roofs of bungalow homes. Many have lost their belongings as homes were submerged, leaving evacuees uncertain about the future.

The Philippines, a nation accustomed to tropical storms, typically experiences around 20 storms annually. Each year, these storms cause considerable damage, with many communities grappling with heavy rains, strong winds, and deadly landslides. However, Trami’s destruction has left an indelible mark, highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate-induced disasters.

As relief efforts ramp up, the nation watches anxiously as the storm continues its journey across the northern provinces, hoping for respite from the relentless rain and recovery from the devastating loss of life and livelihood.