Philippines Storm Disaster: 40 Fatalities, Multiple Towns Submerged

Philippines Storm Kills 40, Towns Flooded

“Many are still trapped on rooftops, pleading for help.” 

A tropical storm in the Philippines has claimed 40 lives and submerged multiple towns, leaving thousands displaced.

Rescue teams in the Philippines raced against time on Friday, October 25, to save residents stranded on rooftops as Tropical Storm Trami slowly receded into the sea. The devastating storm left a trail of destruction, claiming at least 40 lives and displacing tens of thousands.

In regions battered by unprecedented rainfall – equivalent to two months' worth in just 48 hours – desperate survivors awaited rescue. “Many are still trapped on rooftops, pleading for help” said Andre Dizon, police director for the severely affected Bicol region. “With the rains finally ceasing, we're hopeful the floods will subside today, allowing us to reach those stranded.”

President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines addressed the nation at a press briefing, highlighting the immense challenges rescuers face in accessing affected areas, particularly in Bicol. The region has experienced unprecedented landslides, which Marcos attributed to the soil's complete saturation, leaving water with nowhere to drain. This dire situation has resulted in numerous casualties in cities like Naga and Legazpi, but rescue efforts have been hindered due to inaccessibility.

As of today, October 25, Severe Tropical Storm Trami has moved westward over the South China Sea, leaving the Philippines after causing widespread destruction. Unfortunately, the death toll continues to rise as new reports of victims emerge. According to recent updates, Trami's impact has been devastating, with over 81 deaths, 20 people reported missing, and approximately $23.2 million in damages. The storm's effects have been felt across various regions, prompting concerns about the potential for further damage to provinces still recovering from Typhoon Krathon.

Storm Impact and Response

Fatalities and Damage: 81+ deaths, 20 people missing, and $23.2 million in damages 

Affected Regions: Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and others

Rescue Efforts: Hindered by accessibility issues, especially in Bicol

Precautionary Measures: Evacuations, suspension of classes and work, and travel bans

In Batangas province, south of Manila, Philippines, police staff sergeant Nelson Cabuso reported the grim discovery of six unidentified bodies in Sampaloc village. The area was ravaged by a flash flood on Thursday. “Our team is still on the ground, searching for potential additional casualties,” Cabuso stated.

In another tragic incident, police corporal Alvin de Leon confirmed five fatalities in a flash flood in Subic Ilaya coastal village. These deaths bring the overall death toll to at least 40.

In Manila, although the city escaped the severe flooding experienced during Typhoon Gaemi in July, a large subdivision south of the capital was largely inundated on Friday, October 25. The aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami continues to unfold 

Main Updates

• 6 bodies found in Sampaloc village, Batangas province
• 5 fatalities reported in Subic Ilaya coastal village
• Death toll rises to at least 40
• Flash floods hit multiple areas, including south of Manila
• Tropical Storm Trami's impact still being assessed

A storm surge warning prompted the closure of government offices and schools across Luzon, the Philippines' main island, on Friday, October 25. The west coast remains under threat, with wave heights potentially reaching two meters.

The Philippines' state weather agency reported extraordinary rainfall in Batangas province, with totals reaching 391.3 millimeters on October 24-25. This staggering amount equals two months' worth of rain, according to specialist Jofren Habaluyas.

Additional Updates

• Storm Surge Warning: West coast of Luzon, wave heights up to 2 meters
• Closures: Government offices and schools across Luzon
• Record Rainfall: Batangas province receives 2 months' worth of rain (391.3 mm) in 2 days
• Affected Areas: Luzon, particularly Batangas province

A report released late Thursday, October 24, revealed that 193,000 people had been evacuated due to severe flooding that turned streets into rivers and buried towns under thick volcanic sediment. The Bicol region was severely impacted, with over 30,000 residents fleeing unexpectedly high floodwaters on Wednesday, October 23.

Rescue efforts were underway in Naga City and Nabua, where boats were used to reach stranded residents on rooftops. Desperate survivors took to Facebook to call for help. Meanwhile, the hospital in Lemery, Batangas, about 97 kilometers south of Manila, was forced to turn away patients due to inundated wards and emergency rooms.

The search for a missing fisherman, whose boat sank off Bulacan province's coast, was suspended on Friday, October 25, due to strong currents.

The Philippines is prone to devastation, with approximately 20 major storms and typhoons striking the country or its surrounding waters annually. This results in widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and loss of life.

Updates

• 193,000 people evacuated due to flooding
•  Bicol region severely impacted, with 30,000+ residents displaced
• Rescuers using boats to reach stranded residents
• Hospital in Lemery, Batangas, inundated and unable to accept patients
• Search for missing fisherman suspended due to strong currents
• Philippines experiences 20 major storms/typhoons annually, causing destruction and fatalities.