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Fears of a “reverse” storm after dozens of deaths

Fears of a “reverse” storm after dozens of deaths

Tropical Storm Trami caused fatalities Philippineswhere at least 65 people died landslides and large-scale floods in the northern and central areas of Luzon. So far, 2.6 million people have been affected.

The storm, which also caused hazards including volcanic mudslides, forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate, and authorities warned that the devastation could worsen if Traminow over South China Seachanges course, which forecasters say is possible.

Fears of a storm reversal

Fears of an unexpected “reverse” have raised concerns among organizations already dealing with large-scale disruption. Most deaths come from landslides and flash floods who detained residents on the roofs and demolished the houses.

One of the deadliest mudslides occurred in Talisay City, Batangas.

Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr. and his team stationed there tried to find survivors and recover bodies.

“He’s just devastated,” Malinao said of the fisherman who lost his wife and child when a landslide buried their home in 10 feet of mud.

Meanwhile, Naga City in the Bicol region reported 11 drowning deaths, and officials are pleading for more lifeboats to help those trapped on upper floors and roofs.

Storm Trami in the Philippines
A resident crosses flooded streets caused by Tropical Storm Trami, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Cainta, Rizal province, Philippines. Flights have been cancelled, inter-island ferry service has been suspended, and schools and government offices have been temporarily closed…


AP Photo/Aaron Favila

Devastation in Luzon

The storm, locally named Cristina, made landfall with winds of up to 59 mph and brought torrential rain to Luzon, reaching communities in the foothills Mayon Volcano.

Here, cascading mudflows blocked roads and swallowed houses.

Nearly 320,000 people sought shelter in evacuation centers or with relatives, according to disaster response agencies. Severe flooding and mudslides, which affected more than 2.6 million residents, brought schools, government offices and major businesses to a standstill.

Rescue teams continue to find solutions to help navigate blocked roads and flooded areas, and several villagers are still missing.

Storms in the Philippines are a constant threat

Due to the fact that the Philippines is located in Pacific typhoon belt, a region prone to extreme weather conditions.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 7,300 people.

Although Trami did not strengthen in a typhoonsome regions experienced unusually heavy rains, including some that lasted from one to two months the amount of precipitation in just 24 hours, flooding the communities of flash floods.

president Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed concern about Trami’s possible return, asking forecasters to provide updated forecasts at an emergency briefing.

“It doesn’t have to reach the coast to do damage,” Marcos warned, referring to the constant rains and waterlogged communities. Officials noted another Pacific Ocean storm on the horizon, raising concerns in the region about what lies ahead for residents.

Storm Trami in the Philippines
Residents remain near a car partially buried by volcanic mud that flowed from the Mayon volcano after heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Trami hit the town of Ginobatan, Albay province, Philippines on Wednesday, October 23…


AP Photo/John Michael Magdasok

Vietnam is preparing to approach Trami

Elsewhere in Asia, Vietnam’s central coastal provinces are bracing for the storm as it moves west, with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructing provincial governments to keep a close eye on Trami.

Vietnam, which suffered heavy losses in typhoon Yagi last monthactivated emergency protocols for communities in vulnerable areas.

Currently, the damage caused is estimated at 3.3 billion dollars.

Government meteorologist Jofren Jabaluyas explained that while strong winds in the South China Sea could push Trami back toward the Philippines, the storm’s path remains uncertain.

The surrounding disruption has grounded flights and ferries, stranding thousands of people, while food and essential supplies are being arranged for evacuees.

“Oh God, it is what it is. We just have to deal with it,” Marcos said of the possible return of the storm.

This article incorporates reporting from The Associated Press