Latest news "Unprecedented rain": Tropical storm rages in the Philippines
Another violent tropical storm is raging in the Philippines. "Trami" has caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the east of the island state, even before it has made landfall. At least three people have already lost their lives, according to the police. More than 24,000 people had to leave their homes and flee to safety. According to the coast guard, thousands more were stranded in ports after shipping traffic had to be suspended.
23.10.2024, 07:59
SDA
In the eastern province of Albay and the nearby town of Naga City, residents rescued themselves on their roofs. However, rescuers were barely able to reach them due to the masses of water. A spokesperson for the local emergency services explained that the last time this amount of rain fell from the sky was more than 50 years ago. "This really is breaking almost all records," he said.
"Unprecedented amounts of water"
The government suspended classes in schools in the capital Manila and other provinces on the island of Luzon as a precautionary measure. According to the weather service Pagasa, "Trami" - known as "Kristine" in the Philippines - is expected to make landfall in the evening and rage in the region until at least Friday. However, "Trami" has not yet been classified as a typhoon.
"The worst is yet to come, I'm afraid," warned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at a meeting with civil protection and other government agencies. "Let's all prepare. The amount of water is unprecedented."
Only around three weeks ago, typhoon "Krathon" left a trail of destruction in the Philippines with flooding and landslides. At the beginning of September, "Yagi" swept across the islands, killing around 20 people. Tens of thousands had to leave their homes.
The Philippines are hit by an average of around 20 typhoons every year. The worst storm to date, "Haiyan", claimed more than 6,300 lives in November 2013.
