At least 26 people have died, and over 150,000 have been forced to evacuate due to Tropical Storm Trami's impact on the Philippines.
Locally named Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Trami struck the northeastern Luzon coast, unleashing severe rain, flooding, and landslides across the region.
With sustained winds reaching 95 kph (59 mph), the storm has been pushing westward through the mountainous Cordillera area towards the South China Sea.
Did you read this?
According to the state weather agency's 11 a.m. (0300 GMT) report, the storm is expected to bring intense rainfall, triggering flooding, landslides, and storm surges across northern provinces.
The majority of the fatalities occurred in the central Bicol region, where landslides and flooding were particularly severe; Naga City reported 14 deaths on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trami landed in Divilacan, a northeastern Isabela Province town where disaster chief Ezekiel Chavez confirmed no reported casualties.
In anticipation of further damage, the government mandated the closure of schools and businesses in affected areas. The civil defense office reported over 163,000 people sheltering in evacuation centers, with the largest concentration in Bicol. Floodwaters have risen to rooftop levels in some areas, prompting widespread evacuations.
Additionally, the civil aviation authority canceled at least a dozen flights, and the central bank suspended foreign exchange trading and monetary operations for the second consecutive day.
The Philippines averages around 20 tropical storms annually, frequently facing significant damage from intense rains, winds, and deadly landslides.
