Philippine rescuers are racing against time to reach residents still stranded by flooding in the hard-hit Bicol region as Tropical Storm Trami wreaks havoc, submerging villages and claiming more than 20 lives.
Schools and government offices are closed across northern Philippines as Trami made landfall on Luzon, following a path of destruction south of the capital.
Rescuers are using boats to reach stranded residents in Naga city and Nabua, while more than 30,000 people have been evacuated in Bicol due to unexpectedly severe flooding.
Despite the eye of the storm passing over the mountainous interior of the northern Philippines, with wind speeds of 95 kilometers per hour, the situation remains critical.
As the region faces the aftermath of this devastating storm, the toll stands at 20 dead in Bicol, with rescuers continuing their efforts to save lives and recover missing individuals.
With storms and typhoons a common occurrence in the region, the impact of climate change is increasingly evident, leading to more intense and longer-lasting weather events.
Despite the challenges, the resilience of the Filipino people shines through as they come together to overcome the aftermath of yet another natural disaster.
© 2024 AFP