Tropical cyclone Kristine has resulted in catastrophic flooding in the northern Philippines, claiming more than a dozen lives and impacting over one million residents. Thousands are displaced due to landslides and heavy rainfall. The storm, known internationally as Tropical Storm Trami, has pushed authorities to rescue stranded individuals and prepare for ongoing precipitation despite the storm’s departure.
Tropical cyclone Kristine has inflicted devastating flooding across the northern Philippines, resulting in the loss of more than a dozen lives and leaving several individuals missing. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported that over one million residents have been adversely affected by the cyclone, with thousands facing displacement due to landslides and relentless rainfall. Known locally as Kristine, and identified as Tropical Storm Trami internationally, the storm developed east of Guam before making landfall in the Philippines on Wednesday. The region’s vulnerability to flash flooding was exacerbated by heavy rainfall prior to the storm, coupled with previous cyclones that occurred earlier in the month. Disturbing footage from the most affected areas captured residents navigating through waist-high waters, while Coast Guard personnel undertook heroic efforts to rescue those trapped by the deluge. In a poignant social media post, Maria Leonor Robredo, the former Vice President of the Philippines, stated, “People have been stuck on the roofs of their houses for several hours now. Many of our rescue trucks have stalled due to the floods.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has predicted daily rainfall rates exceeding five inches for communities experiencing the cyclone’s effects. Although Manila, the capital, is located on the southern edge of the storm’s moisture envelope, authorities are preparing for substantial rainfall as Kristine traverses the archipelago. Despite the storm moving away from the islands, forecasts indicate that rainfall may persist in the region, which is currently experiencing its rainy season. Manila typically receives approximately 100 inches of rainfall annually, with a dry season prevailing during winter and spring. As government agencies have yet to assess the total damage caused by the storm, officials anticipate significant losses given the widespread flooding that has impacted numerous communities. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that while the month has seen activity from multiple cyclones, it remains below the normal levels for this time of year, a potential consequence of a neutral state within the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
The Philippines is frequently visited by tropical cyclones, particularly during the monsoon season, resulting in significant impacts on local communities including flooding and displacement. Tropical cyclone Kristine, which formed and intensified in the western Pacific, serves as a reminder of the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters. Authorities like the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are pivotal in assessing and reporting the impacts of such weather events. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is responsible for monitoring meteorological conditions, issuing warnings, and providing forecasts to aid in disaster preparedness.
In conclusion, tropical cyclone Kristine has caused profound devastation in the northern Philippines, leading to fatalities, widespread flooding, and significant displacement of residents. The storm’s impact has underscored the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season. As government agencies prepare for potential ongoing rainfall, the need for comprehensive disaster response and management strategies remains critical to protect the lives and livelihoods of individuals in affected areas.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
