MANILA — Rescue operations accelerated Friday (25 Oct 2024) in the Bicol Region and in many parts of the country after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) triggered deadly floods, claiming over 20 lives.

Entire villages were submerged as torrential rains devastated southern Luzon, forcing evacuations and the declaration of a state of calamity in multiple areas.

Regional police reported 20 fatalities, primarily due to drowning and landslides. Bicol police chief BGen. Andre Dizon said the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued. Social media was critical in identifying those still in need of aid, according to police spokeswoman Luisa Calubaquib.

Kristine has affected more than 2 million people across several regions, with 1.67 million from Bicol alone. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is working to validate casualty figures, while the Office of Civil Defense has confirmed 10 deaths so far.

The storm left widespread damage, with over 1,000 homes impacted, 92 completely destroyed, and nearly 300 roads and bridges rendered impassable. Authorities declared a state of calamity in at least 18 municipalities, and nearly P22 million in aid has been distributed to affected families.

Heavy rainfall—amounting to a month’s worth in just 24 hours—struck Camarines Sur and Legazpi City particularly hard, prompting the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents.

In the provinces of Quezon, Naga, and the capital region, additional casualties were reported, including an elderly woman and a child who were swept away by floodwaters.

The Philippine Coast Guard issued a maritime advisory due to disrupted operations across 136 ports, affecting nearly 9,000 passengers and causing widespread delays.

Dam releases in several regions were ordered to prevent overflows, while power outages affected close to 400,000 customers in southern Luzon and parts of Metro Manila.

Despite Kristine weakening as it moved across Northern Luzon, warnings remained in effect for several provinces. The storm marks the latest in a series of destructive weather events increasingly linked to climate change, which has contributed to faster intensification and longer-lasting storms over land.

Authorities continue to coordinate efforts to provide relief and ensure swift recovery, with many communities still reeling from the storm’s aftermath.

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MANILA — The number of individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” has reached 2,077,643, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of Thursday (24 Oct 2024).

This figure represents 431,738 families from 2,124 villages across various regions, including Ilocos, Cagayan, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Notably, at least 1,669,507 of those affected are from the Bicol Region.

The NDRRMC’s situation report also confirmed that the storm has resulted in 7 fatalities, 4 injuries, and 7 individuals reported missing.

In terms of infrastructure, over 1,000 houses were damaged—915 partially and 92 completely. Additionally, 296 roads and bridges were noted as either flooded or impassable, although water levels in 44 areas have since receded.

As a response to the disaster, at least 18 municipalities and cities have declared a state of calamity. Assistance totaling P21,516,422.45 has been provided to the affected families.

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MANILA — As of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that 20 road sections across the country remain impassable due to the effects of Tropical Storm Kristine.

The DPWH Bureau of Maintenance noted that 15 roads in Bicol, 4 in Eastern Visayas, and 1 in Calabarzon are blocked by flooding, landslides, and other storm-related incidents.

In Romblon, clearing efforts on the Sibuyan Circumferential Road have been delayed by fallen trees and soil collapse. In Albay, several sections of major roads remain closed due to flooding and soil erosion. Similar conditions have affected roads in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon, where rockslides and floods have worsened road conditions.

Eastern Visayas also faces significant disruptions, including key roads in Northern Samar and Samar, where water levels have reached hazardous heights.

DPWH teams and disaster management units are on standby, ready for clearing operations as the tropical storm continues to bring heavy rains and strong winds, with its latest location recorded 310 km east-northeast of Infanta, Quezon.

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MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and its regional offices are on high alert as Tropical Storm Kristine continues to drench Luzon and parts of the Visayas. Seven regions, including the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol, have activated the highest emergency protocol, Charlie, with extensive preparations in place to respond to potential disasters.

OCD regional directors have conducted risk assessments, activated response clusters, and prepositioned resources. Relief operations are underway, and continuous monitoring is in effect. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also coordinating to provide aid to affected families.

In Leyte, OCD Eastern Visayas Director Lord Byron Torrecarion confirmed directives from National DRRMC Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to secure funds for relief distribution. Meanwhile, in Central Visayas, efforts are focused on mitigating road flooding, with ongoing monitoring of river conditions to prevent further risks.

OCD spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas clarified the use of emergency protocols, explaining that higher-risk areas prompt stricter measures. He added that LGUs have been instructed to convene disaster councils for early warning and to activate barangay units for local preparedness.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that all LGUs and civil defense units are mobilized and ready, crediting former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos for his work on typhoon preparedness. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has also activated its shelter clusters in Kristine’s path, with Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar affirming the provision of cash assistance to those with damaged homes.

The government remains on high alert as Kristine’s full impact unfolds, ensuring the safety and readiness of communities.

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