Flooding and Landslides Ravage Communities
Tropical Storm Trami, also known locally as Kristine, has caused severe destruction in the northeastern Philippines. The storm triggered extreme flooding and deadly landslides, marking it as the deadliest storm of 2023. Despite the Philippines’ experience with frequent typhoons, few expected the devastation caused by Trami.
In Bulan, a town with approximately 100,000 residents, authorities declared a state of emergency. Although the floods severely damaged infrastructure, no fatalities were reported in the area. Emergency response images showed thick mud covering roads, making many areas inaccessible.
As floodwaters reached knee-high levels, 22-year-old Kierwen Garlan helped neighbors as their homes filled with water. “We were scared, but luckily my family’s house is on higher ground,” Garlan recalled, reflecting on the storm’s sudden intensity. Garlan and other volunteers mobilized to assist rescue efforts and aid those affected by rising illness rates from the floodwaters.
Nearly 130 deaths have been confirmed, with at least 30 people still missing. The national disaster relief agency is rushing to deliver aid to remote areas, focusing on the Bicol region, which faces the threat of another approaching storm. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos deployed army assets and his presidential helicopter to support relief operations. “By air, land, or sea, we’ll keep the support coming. Together, we will rise again,” Marcos declared.
Landslides Bring Tragedy to Batangas
Talisay, a town in Batangas province, suffered catastrophic damage due to Trami’s relentless rains. Located 70 kilometers south of Manila, Talisay’s proximity to the Taal volcano makes it highly vulnerable to disasters. The storm’s heavy rainfall caught residents off guard, resulting in nearly 3,000 homes destroyed and entire families trapped.
A funeral was held for 20 landslide victims, including 12 children. Raynaldo Dejucos, who lost his family, described the devastation. “When I got there, everything was gone. No home, and everywhere there were rocks, mud, and scraps of metal,” he said. The loss in Talisay exemplifies the human toll of the storm’s unrelenting power.
In Albay province, floodwaters buried homes and vehicles under thick sand, hampering rescue operations. Residents reported that evacuation efforts were insufficient, with many unable to flee in time. Emergency teams faced significant challenges as floodwaters continued to rise.
President Marcos visited Camarines Sur, one of the hardest-hit provinces, where he acknowledged the overwhelming impact of the storm. “Our main problem here is that many areas are still flooded. The amount of water is unmanageable,” he said. Marcos emphasized the urgent need for new measures to address the escalating threat of climate change.
Trami’s Aftermath and Emerging Threats
As Trami moved westward into the South China Sea, it unleashed heavy rain and strong winds on central Vietnam, resulting in additional fatalities. Southeast Asia is now bracing for the arrival of Typhoon Kong-Rey, which has intensified and is expected to impact northern Luzon soon.
The Philippines remains one of Southeast Asia’s most climate-vulnerable nations, experiencing more frequent and intense storms in recent years. Earlier this year, Typhoon Gaemi caused severe flooding in Manila and parts of Luzon. Shortly after, Typhoon Yagi swept through southern China and Southeast Asia, leaving dozens dead in its wake.
As storm intensity continues to increase, Filipino communities face rising threats from floods, landslides, and typhoons. National authorities are prioritizing disaster preparedness and relief efforts, knowing that future storms may be even more destructive.