Tropical Storm Trami Leaves Devastation in the Philippines: U-Turn…

Tropical storm Trami has moved away from the Philippines but has caused at least 46 fatalities due to flooding. Authorities seek extra rescue boats for stranded individuals as forecasters warn of a possible U-turn that could return the storm to the Philippines. Meanwhile, over 2.6 million people are affected, and Vietnam prepares for potential impacts from the storm.

Tropical storm Trami has moved away from northwestern Philippines, resulting in devastating flooding that has claimed at least 46 lives. The country is actively seeking additional rescue boats as thousands remain stranded, some on the roofs of their homes. Forecasters are warning that Trami may execute an unusual U-turn next week due to prevailing high-pressure winds in the South China Sea. Initially detected at dawn moving west approximately 125 kilometers from Bacnotan in La Union province, Trami possesses sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 115 kilometers per hour. Though the storm is projected to head towards Vietnam over the weekend, authorities are concerned it may veer back toward the Philippines. During an emergency meeting, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed his concerns about the storm’s possible trajectory, asking if there was a chance it could return. A government forecaster indicated that while a U-turn is possible, it is more likely that Trami will continue to drift away from the Philippines without making landfall. However, the remnants of the storm continue to cause torrents of rain across the islands, creating ongoing risks of flooding and landslides. The death toll from Trami has risen due to flooded conditions and landslides in Bicol, a region known for its agricultural output and tourism, particularly the Mayon volcano. Nine deaths occurred in the coastal province of Batangas, with reports of even further casualties as police gather additional data. Despite not intensifying into a typhoon, Trami produced exceptional rainfall, inundating communities with flash floods. More than 2.6 million individuals have been affected, with nearly 320,000 seeking refuge in evacuation centers. Additionally, there have been school and government office closures on Luzon, compounded by the disruption of inter-island ferry services, leaving many stranded. Meanwhile, in preparation for potential damage, Vietnam has ordered its coastal provinces to stay vigilant as the storm approaches. The Philippines faces numerous storms annually, with approximately 20 tropical storms or typhoons striking the nation, often leading to significant casualties and destruction. Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 serves as a historical reminder of the catastrophic impacts of such natural disasters.

The Philippines frequently endures tropical storms due to its geographic position between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. This vulnerability leads to an annual average of 20 storms, contributing to a history of widespread devastation. Tropical storm Trami had been one of the deadliest storms in 2023, having delivered significant rainfall and flooding, particularly affecting the regions of Luzon and Bicol, leading to serious casualties and large-scale evacuations. Weather phenomena such as U-turns, which are rare, add an element of unpredictability in tropical storm tracking, prompting governments to remain vigilant and ready for further emergencies.

In summary, tropical storm Trami has caused significant loss of life and widespread flooding in the Philippines, compelling urgent rescue efforts and raising concerns over a potential U-turn back toward the islands. The situation remains precarious, with state forecasters monitoring the storm and preparing for possible further impacts, not only in the Philippines but also as it approaches Vietnam.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com