Philippines: Tropical Storm “Trami” Claims 46 Lives and May Return Next Week
The death toll from Tropical Storm “Trami” in the Philippines has risen to 46, with an additional 20 individuals reported missing as of Friday. Authorities have warned that conditions could worsen again next week due to the forecast of heavy rains and strong winds.
“Approximately 240,000 people are currently taking refuge in evacuation centers, 7,510 passengers remain stranded at ports, and 36 flights were canceled on Friday,” the government reported.
The civil protection agency confirmed the casualties, noting that the deaths and injuries were primarily a result of landslides, flooding, and other storm-related incidents, particularly in the central Bicol region, which has been severely affected by torrential downpours.
A previous report indicated 26 fatalities and more than 150,000 people displaced from their homes as of Thursday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced via social media that “assistance is on the way, arriving by land, air, and sea.”
The slowly moving Tropical Storm “Trami,” locally known as Kristine, struck Luzon Island on Thursday, bringing winds of nearly 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph). Some local officials reported that two months’ worth of rain fell within a single day.
Authorities have cautioned that the situation may deteriorate again, potentially affecting the country with heavy rainfall and strong winds next week.
