110 lives lost as Tropical Storm Trami unleashes devastation across the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction and thousands displaced.
At a Glance
- Tropical Storm Trami hit the Philippines on October 24, causing widespread flooding and landslides
- Death toll reaches 110, with 42 individuals still missing
- Over half a million people displaced due to the storm
- Bicol region and Batangas province among the hardest-hit areas
- President Ferdinand Marcos assures aid is being provided to affected regions
Devastating Impact of Tropical Storm Trami
Tropical Storm Trami has left a path of destruction across the Philippines, claiming 110 lives and displacing over half a million people. The storm, which made landfall on October 24, has become the deadliest to hit the island nation this year. Torrential rains triggered massive floods and landslides, burying homes and cutting off access to affected regions.
The Bicol region and Batangas province have been particularly hard-hit. Bicol regional police reported 41 deaths, primarily due to drowning, while Batangas province confirmed 60 fatalities, mostly from rain-induced landslides. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with 42 individuals still unaccounted for.
Tropical Storm Trami's death toll rises to 126 in the Philippines https://t.co/CxhtXITjue
— UPI.com (@UPI) October 26, 2024
Government Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
President Ferdinand Marcos has assured the public that aid is being provided to the hardest-hit areas, particularly Camarines Sur province in the Bicol region. However, rescue efforts are being hampered by continued rainfall and damaged infrastructure.
“By air, land, or sea, we’ll keep the support coming. Together, we will rise again,” said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.
Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide aid to those affected. In Taal Lake, a family of seven remains missing, with search efforts underway. The situation remains critical as thousands are forced into evacuation centers, facing harsh conditions with limited resources.
The death toll in the Philippines from Severe Tropical Storm Trami rose to at least 70 https://t.co/QOQH5tI6yh
— Bloomberg (@business) October 26, 2024
The storm’s impact extends beyond the Philippines. Central Vietnam reported three deaths and significant damage, including downed trees and power lines. Vietnamese authorities took preventive measures, including evacuations and airport closures, before the storm’s landfall.
This disaster reveals the high vulnerability of the region to intense weather events. A recent study indicates that storms in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming more intense and lasting longer due to climate change. This trend highlights the urgent need for robust disaster management planning and improved protective measures to safeguard vulnerable populations from the increasing frequency of such natural calamities.