October 24th 2024.
A tropical storm wreaked havoc in the northeastern Philippines on Thursday, causing widespread flooding and landslides that led to the tragic deaths of at least 24 people. The storm, named Trami, swept through the country's main island of Luzon, leaving destruction in its wake and forcing the government to take immediate action.
As the storm made landfall in the province of Isabela after midnight, authorities quickly shut down schools and offices to protect the millions of people living in its path. The strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 95km/h with gusts up to 160km/h, were felt in the mountain province of Ifugao early in the morning.
Trami continued on its path, heading westward towards the South China Sea, according to state forecasters. The storm's impact was devastating, with 24 reported deaths and many more expected as towns and villages struggled to send out reports amidst the chaos.
In the Bicol region, southeast of Manila, the majority of the storm's fatalities were reported. Flash floods in Naga city, caused by heavy rainfall and high tide, claimed the lives of seven residents. Despite the efforts of thousands of government forces to rescue those trapped in floodwaters, there were still many more in need of help, including those stranded on their rooftops.
Brigadier General Andre Dizon, the regional police chief, explained that the scale of the disaster was overwhelming and that they were in need of additional motorboats to reach all those in need. The situation was dire, with food and water shortages for those who had been rescued but were unable to evacuate immediately.
The city of Naga was also hit by mudflows from the nearby Mayon volcano, one of the country's most active volcanoes. The stormy weather in the region made it difficult for relief efforts to commence, further hindering the rescue and recovery process.
The government's disaster mitigation agency reported that over 2 million people were affected by the storm, with 75,400 villagers being displaced from their homes and forced to seek shelter on safer ground. This is a familiar scenario in the Philippines, a country that experiences an average of 20 storms and typhoons per year. The devastating Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of these natural disasters, leaving thousands dead or missing and entire villages flattened.
As the country continues to deal with the aftermath of Trami, the government is working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected. The resilience and strength of the Filipino people will undoubtedly help them overcome this tragedy and rebuild their communities once again.
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