A tropical storm named Trami wreaked havoc in the northeastern Philippines, leading to widespread flooding and landslides that resulted in at least 24 fatalities. The storm made landfall in the province of Isabela, triggering destructive forces that swept away cars and left many villagers stranded, some even seeking refuge on rooftops.
Authorities took swift action by closing down schools and non-essential offices across the main island of Luzon to ensure the safety of millions of residents. Trami, with sustained winds of up to 95 kph and gusts reaching 115 kph, began moving away from the coast towards the South China Sea, posing a potential threat of intensifying into a typhoon.
The hardest-hit areas were the Bicol region and Quezon province, where most of the storm-related deaths occurred, primarily due to drowning. Flash floods inundated Naga city, claiming the lives of 8 residents and causing significant damage. Rescue operations were underway, with thousands of villagers being saved by government forces, while many others awaited assistance, including those stranded on rooftops.
Despite the challenges posed by stormy weather conditions, efforts to provide relief and aid to affected communities continued. Over 2 million people were impacted by the storm, with thousands displaced from their homes and seeking shelter in safer locations. Extensive damage to houses, roads, and bridges was reported, particularly in the Bicol region.
The storm's impact extended to transportation services, leading to the suspension of inter-island ferry operations in numerous seaports and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The Philippines, being prone to frequent storms and typhoons, has faced similar disasters in the past, such as Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which resulted in a significant loss of life and infrastructure.
