Tropical Storm Yagi Batters Philippines: Death Toll Rises to 11

Monday 02 September 2024 - 17:15

Schools and government offices shut down in capital Manila, while ferry services and domestic flights are suspended.

A fierce tropical storm has caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in the deaths of up to 11 people in the Philippines. Tropical Storm Yagi lashed the northern regions of the country overnight into Monday, unleashing heavy rains that inundated numerous areas and triggered deadly landslides.

According to newswire reports, the death toll ranges from nine to 11 people. The Philippines, which typically experiences about 20 major storms and typhoons each year between late June and October, is no stranger to such devastating weather events. These storms often cause significant damage to homes and infrastructure, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Yagi swept through the Bicol region, southeast of the capital Manila, overnight on Sunday and was expected to make landfall on the northeast coast of the main island of Luzon later on Monday. As a precautionary measure, schools and government offices across Manila were shut down. Ferry services in affected areas were suspended, and 29 domestic flights were canceled.

In the Manila suburb of Antipolo, a landslide claimed the lives of three people, including a pregnant woman, as reported by a city information officer to the AFP news agency. Additionally, the bodies of four drowning victims were recovered on Monday.

The eastern city of Naga was also severely affected by Yagi, with two people, including a baby girl, losing their lives as floodwaters rose rapidly. Rescuers confirmed these fatalities.

More than 300 people remained in evacuation camps on Monday, with local officials stating that the floodwaters in the city of 210,000 people were slow to recede due to high tide. Separate landslides in the central city of Cebu on Sunday killed two people and damaged five houses, according to the local disaster office.

In July, powerful Typhoon Gaemi brought heavy rain and massive flooding to the Philippines, resulting in at least 22 deaths. The recurring storms highlight the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, underscoring the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

As the Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Yagi, the focus turns to recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of affected communities. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in the region.