Key Takeaways:
– The Northern Philippines is reeling under the impact of Tropical Storm Trami, with the death toll reaching 66.
– Massive flooding caused by two days of heavy rain has displaced tens of thousands of residents.
– Rescue efforts are underway, but remote regions like Bicol remain difficult to access due to landslides and soaked terrain.
– A heavy damage to property has been reported in the affected regions, with instances of houses and vehicles getting half-submerged in the mud.
– The weather agencies have issued storm surge warnings for the coastal regions, while flood-affected areas seek help via social media posts.
A Weekend of Havoc: Tackling Trami’s Aftermath
Residents in the northern Philippines found themselves on a wild ride, as Tropical Storm Trami made its mark. As the death toll rose to 66, locals armed with spades and rakes embarked on the massive task of clearing their homes of drenched debris.
Flood, Fear, and Survival
Hundreds of families fled their homes due to severe floods, caused by a torrential two-day downpour. The rainfall was so severe, it was equal to two months’ worth of rain in some areas. Many people were trapped on their rooftops, praying for respite as the rain finally ceased. Andre Dizon, the police director in the battered Bicol region, talked about their hope of seeing the floodwaters recede.
Delays and Difficulties in Rescue Operations
The rescue missions faced major obstacles, especially in the Bicol region. Its remote location and rain-drenched terrain made penetration difficult, creating a perilous situation as rescue teams struggled against time and nature. The saturated ground even caused landslides in areas not previously prone to such occurrence.
Laurel Wrecked by Flash Flooding
Witnessing the aftermath in Laurel, a picturesque town by the volcanic Lake Taal, was a heart-wrenching sight. Roads were clogged with felled trees and damaged vehicles, while homes suffered extensive damage due to the flash floods. Things once considered mundane, such as washing machines, cars, and home equipment were simply washed away, narrated Mimie Dionela, a local resident.
Loss and Helplessness: Stories from the Ground
People like Islao Malabanan, who credited his survival to the fact that the flood came during daylight hours, lost everything in the flood. Others, like Jona Maulion, who had recently started an auto repair business, expressed concern over the cost of restoring their ruined enterprises.
Increase in Death Toll as Reports Pour In
As Trami moved west over the South China Sea, fresh reports updated the death toll. Batangas province saw its death toll double to 34, as per local law enforcement agencies. Fear of more casualties remained as reports from villages like Sampaloc and Subic Ilaya poured in.
Luzon Still in Limbo
Even as the storm passed, much of Luzon, the main island, remained on high alert. Schools and government offices were shut, and storm surge warnings remained in place along the west coast. The flooding turned streets into rivers and concealed some towns in muddy turmoil.
In regions like Naga city and Nabua municipality, rescue boats tried to reach stranded residents, many of whom reached out for help via social media posts. Search for a missing fisherman off Bulacan province is still on hold due to strong currents.
Philippines: A Hub for Storms
Every year, around 20 big storms and typhoons target the Philippines and its surrounding waters, causing extensive damage and loss of life. Moreover, recent studies suggest that storms in the Asia-Pacific region are forming nearer to coastlines and intensifying faster due to climate change. The residents are left in a state of constant vigilance and resilience, the heroes in a recurring battle against nature’s power.