Tropical storm Trami has moved from northwestern Philippines, claiming at least 46 lives due to severe flooding. Authorities are engaged in rescue operations for those trapped, while forecasters warn of a possible U-turn that could return the storm to the Philippines. President Ferdinand Marcos has voiced concern, emphasizing the ongoing danger from heavy rains, as widespread evacuations and emergency protocols are enacted across affected regions.
Tropical storm Trami has moved away from the northwestern region of the Philippines, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 46 lives predominantly due to severe flooding. The aftermath of the storm has prompted a critical response from authorities, who are working tirelessly to rescue thousands of individuals trapped in flooded areas, some of whom are stranded on their roofs. Despite the storm’s relocation, meteorologists are cautiously warning of the potential for Trami to make an unexpected return to the Philippines due to prevailing high-pressure winds in the South China Sea. As of early reports, the storm was located approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Bacnotan in La Union province, exhibiting sustained winds of 95 kilometers (59 miles) per hour and gusts of 115 kilometers (78 miles) per hour. Trami is currently heading northwest toward Vietnam, where it may bring further rain beginning Sunday. However, weather forecasts indicate that factors in the South China Sea could steer the storm back towards the Philippines. During an emergency meeting, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed his concern over the storm’s trajectory, inquiring, “What is the forecast for that? Is it possible it would return?” A government forecaster responded that while a U-turn is plausible, it is more likely that Trami will continue to move away from the Philippines without making landfall. The President emphasized the potential damage that could occur even without direct land contact, highlighting ongoing heavy rainfall attributed to Trami. Authorities have reported that the death toll has risen, particularly in Bicol, an area severely affected by the storm. The fatalities are primarily due to flooding and landslides. Notably, the storm unleashed unprecedented rainfall, causing flash floods that inundated numerous communities, particularly in Naga City and the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay. Due to the severe weather conditions, the Philippine government has enacted school and office closures across Luzon, and inter-island ferry services have been suspended, affecting thousands. In Vietnam, officials are on high alert for heavy rains and flooding as they prepare for potential impacts from Trami, echoing the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi just last month. As the Pacific region faces increasing climatic challenges, the Philippines and Vietnam remain vigilant in their disaster preparations, acknowledging that storms are an annual occurrence for these nations. The need for responsive action and community resilience has never been more critical in the wake of such tragic events.
The Philippines is situated in a region frequently affected by tropical storms and typhoons. Each year, approximately 20 of these storms impact the archipelago, often resulting in loss of life, extensive damage to property, and displacement of communities. The recent tropical storm Trami is notable for both its destructive impact and the possibility of a U-turn that could further affect the Philippines.
In summary, the tropical storm Trami has left a devastating mark on the northwestern Philippines, with significant fatalities and widespread flooding prompting urgent rescue efforts. The potential for the storm to return raises further concerns as authorities remain on high alert. The situation underscores the pressing need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of frequent severe weather events.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
