Tropical Storm Yagi has wreaked havoc in the Philippines, leaving at least 11 people dead as it brought heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and deadly landslides to the nation. The storm slammed into the main island of Luzon on Monday after brushing past the Bicol region southeast of Manila overnight. With more rain forecasted, authorities are warning of further potential for flooding and landslides.
In response to the storm’s impact, schools and government offices across the capital, Manila, were shut down for the day as a precaution. The extreme weather also led to the suspension of ferry services in some areas and the cancellation of 29 domestic flights, adding to the disruption across the country.
Among the fatalities were three people, including a pregnant woman, who were killed in a landslide in Antipolo, near Manila. According to city information officer Relly Bonifacio, the landslide struck on Monday, burying the victims under debris. In the same area, the bodies of four more victims who drowned were recovered in different parts of the hilly community after creeks overflowed during the night.
The Bicol city of Naga also faced severe impacts from the storm, with floodwaters rising to dangerous levels. Rescuers reported that a man was electrocuted as the floodwaters surged, and a baby girl tragically drowned. “The floods were above head height in some areas,” said Joshua Tuazon of the city’s public safety office, noting that hundreds of residents had to be rescued from the inundated areas. Over 300 people were displaced and had taken refuge in evacuation camps on Monday, with local officials expressing concern over the slow recession of floodwaters in the city, which is home to 210,000 residents.
The storm also caused chaos in Manila Bay, where powerful currents and large waves tossed vessels around, causing significant damage. A barge and an oil tanker were hurled onto the seawall, while another barge went adrift. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that a tug and a small passenger ship collided while both were anchored, resulting in a fire on the passenger vessel. Fortunately, all 18 crew members aboard the ship were rescued, and the fire was extinguished by a Coast Guard vessel.
Tropical Storm Yagi made landfall in Casiguran, northeast of Manila, on Monday afternoon, bringing sustained winds of 85 km/h (53 mph). The storm is expected to continue its path through northern Luzon before moving out over the South China Sea by early Tuesday. The state weather service has also issued a warning of “minimal to moderate risk” of large coastal waves, posing a threat to seaside communities in northern Luzon.
The Philippines, which experiences around 20 significant storms and typhoons each year, is once again grappling with the devastating impact of extreme weather, as homes, infrastructure, and lives are lost to the fury of nature.
