Tropical Storm Trami moved away from the northwest of the Philippines on Friday after causing at least 82 deaths due to landslides and flooding. Authorities had to mobilize more boats to rescue thousands of people trapped, some of them on their rooftops. Despite this relief, state meteorologists warned of the unusual possibility that Trami could return to the country next week, turning 180 degrees driven by the winds in the South China Sea.
The police chief of Batangas province reported that 49 people lost their lives, most in landslides caused by the storm in the south of the capital, Manila, raising the total number of deaths to 82. Eleven residents were still missing in Batangas, including a family buried under mud and rocks. The situation remains serious for those in affected areas.
Regarding the search for survivors, rescue teams rushed to dig through tons of mud and debris to find missing persons. The destructive force of the storm has left entire communities severely affected, with at least 27 people still missing in various provinces.
Although Trami did not reach typhoon category, the heavy rains accompanying the storm have caused flash floods in several regions. More than 2.6 million people were affected by the rains and about 320,000 had to be evacuated to shelters or relatives' homes.
The prime minister instructed coastal provinces to remain alert and closely monitor Trami's path, given the possibility that the storm may return. In Vietnam, where Trami is expected to make landfall, precautions are also being taken against the heavy rains that could affect the central region of the country. The tragedy caused by Trami in the Philippines is a reminder of the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
