by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
Tropical Storm Trami wreaked havoc across the Philippines after making landfall shortly after midnight on Thursday on Luzon Island. Official reports have confirmed a death toll of 13, while local sources indicate over 30 fatalities, with more than 2.6 million people affected.
Trami traversed Luzon Island, striking the west coast on Friday morning as it headed towards Hainan Island. The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 207 towns experienced flooding, leading to nearly 240,000 individuals seeking temporary shelter.
The estimated damage to infrastructure and crops is around NT$13.8 million (approximately US$430,000). According to the NDRRMC, most fatalities resulted from landslides or drowning, with 5 injuries and 7 individuals still unaccounted for. This figure contrasts with Bicol Region police chief Andre Dizon’s report of 26 confirmed deaths and 9 missing persons. The Bicol region, located in southern Luzon, is about half the size of Taiwan.
With communication to some villages disrupted, the death toll may continue to rise as more reports come in. On the ground, Philippine military and disaster relief teams have been rescuing individuals, pets, and livestock stranded on rooftops in flooded areas. As of now, the typhoon warning has been downgraded in most parts of Luzon to a maximum level of 2 out of 5, with wind speeds between 62 and 88 kilometers per hour.
President Lai Ching-te expressed his condolences on social media to Filipinos mourning their losses due to Tropical Storm Trami. He emphasized the importance of neighbors supporting each other in times of need, stating that Taiwan is prepared to provide assistance whenever necessary and is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for swift and effective recovery efforts in the disaster-stricken areas.
