International / The Philippines in mourning: More than 100 dead after the devastating passage of tropical storm Trami

Tropical storm « Trami » has struck the Philippines with devastating force, pushing the death toll beyond 100, according to local authorities. Since Thursday, the storm has swept across the main island of Luzon, causing widespread flooding and triggering mass evacuations, with over 575,000 people forced to abandon their homes.

The Bicol region, located to the west of Luzon, bore the brunt of the storm, with 41 fatalities primarily caused by drowning, as reported by regional police.

 In Batangas, south of the capital, landslides have claimed the lives of 60 people, according to provincial police chief Jacinto Malinao.

Authorities fear the toll may rise further as rescue teams reach previously inaccessible areas due to severe weather. “The number of victims could still increase in the coming days,” said Edgar Posadas, head of the civil protection bureau.

Flooding has submerged hundreds of villages, and 42 people remain missing, according to the Philippine National Disaster Agency.

The Philippines, frequently battered by typhoons and tropical storms, faces annual devastation and loss of life from such events, underscoring the nation’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for ongoing resilience and preventive measures.