Tropical storm Trami has departed from northwestern Philippines, leaving over 46 dead and thousands stranded due to severe flooding. While it is currently moving towards Vietnam, there is a possibility it may turn back towards the Philippines due to meteorological conditions. President Ferdinand Marcos expressed concern over the storm’s trajectory and the ongoing challenges posed by substantial rainfall brought on by Trami.
Tropical storm Trami has exited the northwestern regions of the Philippines, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 46 lives due to severe flooding. This disaster has compelled local authorities to urgently seek additional rescue resources to assist thousands of individuals trapped by the deluge. The storm, categorized as the eleventh of the year and noted for its devastating impact, has left many residents, some stranded on rooftops, in desperate need of assistance. As of Friday, the storm was located approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Bacnotan in La Union province, maintaining sustained winds reaching 95 kilometers (59 miles) per hour and gusts up to 115 kilometers per hour (78 mph). It is currently moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (15 mph), with Vietnam expected to be impacted by adverse weather conditions beginning Sunday, provided the storm maintains its trajectory. However, there exists a concerning possibility that meteorological factors in the South China Sea may alter Trami’s path, leading it to potentially revisit the Philippines early next week. President Ferdinand Marcos has voiced his concerns regarding this possibility during an urgent meeting with disaster-response officials, pressing for clarification on the storm’s trajectory. A government forecaster indicated that while a return to the western Philippines is plausible, there is a greater likelihood that the storm will move away once again without making landfall. President Marcos noted, “It doesn’t have to make landfall for the damage to occur,” emphasizing the concerns of ongoing rainfall resulting from Trami. Furthermore, authorities alerted to the emergence of another storm brewing in the Pacific, which could further jeopardize the situation in the Philippines. Forecaster Jofren Habaluyas observed that weather experts across Asia, including those from Japan, are monitoring the potential U-turn of Trami with keen interest. The impact of Trami has been particularly devastating in the Bicol region, where five additional fatalities due to flooding and landslides have been reported. Regions such as Batangas also experienced heavy loss of life, with reports noting nine storm-related deaths as a result of flooding and landslides, and rescue teams continue to operate in affected areas to aid those cut off by rising waters. With more than 2.6 million individuals affected, and nearly 320,000 seeking shelter in evacuation centers or with family, widespread closures of schools and government offices across Luzon have been implemented due to the disaster. Inter-island transportation services are suspended, leaving many stranded. In Vietnam, authorities are also on alert for anticipated heavy rains in the central region and have instructed coastal provinces to remain vigilant. Previous storms, such as Typhoon Yagi, illustrated the region’s vulnerability, as that storm alone resulted in substantial loss of life and economic damage. Historically, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 storms and typhoons annually, given its geographic position between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 remains a poignant reminder of the catastrophic potential of these weather events, having claimed over 7,300 lives and devastating entire communities.
The Philippines is highly susceptible to tropical storms and typhoons, experiencing about 20 each year due to its geographical position. These storms often result in severe flooding, landslides, and loss of life, as exemplified by historical events like Typhoon Haiyan. The aftermath of such storms necessitates emergency responses from the government and disaster management agencies, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by the country in dealing with severe weather-related disasters. Tropical storm Trami, which formed recently, has been particularly damaging, prompting urgent rescue operations and public safety measures.
The recent passage of tropical storm Trami has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in the northern Philippines. With a potential for the storm to return, authorities are on high alert. The situation calls for enhanced disaster response efforts as the region braces for the possibility of additional severe weather, highlighting the importance of preparedness in a country frequently affected by such natural disasters. Continued monitoring and coordination among local and international meteorological agencies will be crucial in mitigating the impact of future storms.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
