A strong storm has exited the northern Philippines after causing devastation that resulted in at least 14 fatalities from landslides, floods, and rising rivers, as reported by disaster-response officials on Tuesday. Tropical Storm Yagi moved past Paoay town in Ilocos Norte province and continued into the South China Sea with winds reaching up to 75 kilometers (47 miles) per hour and gusts up to 125 kph (78 mph) based on information from the weather bureau. Predictions indicated that the storm would intensify into a typhoon as it traveled northwestward towards southern China.
Warnings about the storm remained active in most northern provinces of the Philippines, cautioning residents about potential landslides in moisture-laden mountainous areas and flooding in the agricultural lowlands of Luzon. Known locally as Enteng, Yagi brought heavy seasonal monsoon rains and intense downpours across Luzon, affecting the highly populated metropolitan Manila where schools and government operations stayed suspended on Tuesday.
In various northern and central provinces, including Antipolo, a location popular for Catholic pilgrimages and tourism, at least 14 individuals lost their lives due to landslides, floods, and overflowing rivers. An official from Antipolo’s disaster-mitigation team, Enrilito Bernardo Jr., shared that among the casualties were three residents, including a pregnant woman, who perished in a landslide that buried makeshift dwellings, and four other individuals who drowned in waterways. Additionally, four villagers went missing after their home was swept away by the flooding.
The storm caused travel disruptions, leaving thousands of individuals stranded as sea voyages were briefly suspended in various ports and 34 domestic flights were canceled due to harsh weather conditions. An incident involving a training ship, M/V Kamilla, anchored off Navotas port in Manila Bay, occurred as it was struck by another vessel that lost control in rough seas. The collision damaged Kamilla’s bridge, leading to a fire on the ship. Following this, 18 cadets and crew members were forced to abandon the vessel, with 17 individuals rescued by a passing tugboat and one person managing to swim to safety, as reported by the Philippine coast guard.
Given that the Philippines faces about 20 typhoons and storms annually, its location within the “Pacific Ring of Fire” results in high susceptibility to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes along the Pacific Ocean rim, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries globally.
