A violent storm wreaked havoc in the northern region of the Philippines, resulting in devastating landslides, floods, and swollen rivers, claiming at least 14 lives, as reported by disaster-response officials. The storm, named Tropical Storm Yagi, unleashed its fury on Paoay town in Ilocos Norte province before moving into the South China Sea with sustained winds of up to 75 kilometers (47 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 125 kph (78 mph), according to the weather bureau.
Impact of the Storm
Tropical Storm Yagi left behind a trail of destruction, prompting forecasts of its strengthening into a typhoon as it moved northwestward over the South China Sea toward southern China. Storm warnings were issued for most northern Philippine provinces, with residents warned of the persistent threat of landslides in rain-soaked mountain villages and floods in the farming lowlands of Luzon, the country's most populous region.
The storm, locally referred to as Enteng, exacerbated seasonal monsoon rains and unleashed heavy downpours across Luzon, impacting the densely populated capital region, metropolitan Manila, where classes and government work remained suspended due to the inclement weather.
Casualties
Tragically, at least 14 individuals lost their lives due to landslides, floods, and swollen rivers in northern and central provinces. In Antipolo, a popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage city and tourism destination west of Manila, casualties included at least three residents, including a pregnant woman, who perished in a hillside landslide that buried shanties. Additionally, four others drowned in creeks and rivers, according to Antipolo's disaster-mitigation officer Enrilito Bernardo Jr.
The aftermath of the storm left four other villagers missing after their house was swept away in the deluge, compounding the community's grief. The devastation prompted the suspension of classes and government work in the affected areas, hindering immediate response and recovery efforts.
Transportation Disruptions
Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded as the storm forced the temporary cessation of sea travel in several ports and the suspension of 34 domestic flights. The maritime disaster also affected a training ship, M/V Kamilla, anchored in Manila Bay off the Navotas port in the capital. The ship was struck by another vessel that lost control due to turbulent waves, resulting in damage to Kamilla's bridge and a subsequent fire, prompting the evacuation of its 18 cadets and crew members.
In a region prone to typhoons and storms, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 such weather events each year. This frequent exposure to natural calamities, coupled with its location in the "Pacific Ring of Fire," renders the Southeast Asian nation one of the most disaster-prone areas globally. The recent devastation caused by Tropical Storm Yagi underscores the vulnerability of communities in the face of relentless natural adversities.
