MANILA, Philippines: Tropical Storm Trami has brought severe flooding to the Philippines, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as it approaches the eastern coast.
Heavy rains from the storm have turned streets into rivers, submerging entire villages and leaving cars buried in volcanic sediment. In the northern regions, including Bicol, around 32,000 people have fled their homes, seeking refuge in roughly 2,500 evacuation centers.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by unexpectedly high floodwaters and strong currents, with some areas becoming inaccessible. Police rescue teams are struggling to reach residents trapped by chest-deep floods, particularly in Camarines Sur province. Photos show that many homes and buildings are almost completely submerged.
As of Wednesday morning, Trami was located 310 kilometers east of Aurora province, with sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour. President Ferdinand Marcos expressed concern, warning that “the worst is yet to come.” In Naga City, half of the 600 villages have been fully submerged, heightening concerns about casualties and damage.
In addition to flooding, the storm triggered a lahar flow from the Mayon volcano, intensifying the destruction. The Philippines regularly faces destructive storms, with about 20 typhoons striking the region annually.
