A powerful tropical storm has brought devastating floods and landslides to the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of up to 11 individuals. Tropical Storm Yagi struck northern parts of the country overnight into Monday, unleashing heavy rains that inundated numerous areas and triggered landslides.
The torrential downpours led to significant flooding, affecting homes and infrastructure across the region. Emergency services are responding to the crisis as reports confirm that between nine and eleven people have lost their lives due to the storm’s impact.
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and working to provide aid to those affected. The storm has caused widespread disruption, complicating rescue and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.
The severe weather conditions underscore the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, with many communities facing urgent needs as they begin the recovery process.
The Philippines, frequently hit by about 20 major storms and typhoons annually between late June and October, is once again facing severe weather disruptions. These storms often cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure, and result in numerous fatalities.
Tropical Storm Yagi moved through the Bicol region, southeast of the capital, Manila, overnight on Sunday. It is expected to make landfall on the northeast coast of Luzon later on Monday. In anticipation of the storm, schools and government offices across Manila have been closed, ferry services in affected areas have been suspended, and 29 domestic flights have been canceled.
In the Manila suburb of Antipolo, three people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a landslide. Additionally, four more bodies, all victims of drowning, were recovered on Monday. The storm has also impacted the eastern city of Naga, where it caused the deaths of two individuals, including a baby girl who drowned as floodwaters surged.
The widespread impact of Tropical Storm Yagi highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region to intense weather events and the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response measures.
As of Monday, over 300 individuals continued to seek refuge in evacuation camps. Local officials reported that floodwaters in the city, which has a population of 210,000, were receding slowly due to the effects of high tide.
On Sunday, separate landslides in the central city of Cebu resulted in the deaths of two individuals and caused damage to five houses, according to the local disaster office.
Earlier in July, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Gaemi, which brought intense rainfall and severe flooding, leading to at least 22 fatalities.
