Tropical Storm Trami Leaves 40 Dead in Philippines

AFP/APP

Manila: Philippine rescue workers battled floodwaters on Friday to reach residents trapped on the roofs of their homes as Tropical Storm Trami moved out to sea, leaving at least 40 people dead.

Tens of thousands remain displaced, forced to flee floods triggered by torrential downpours that brought two months’ worth of rainfall in just two days in certain areas.

“Many are still trapped on the roofs of their homes and asking for help,” stated Andre Dizon, police director for the hard-hit Bicol region. “We are hoping the floods will subside today since the rain has stopped.”

Dizon added that a shortage of rubber boats was “the greatest challenge,” although more were en route.

As Trami departed the Philippines in the early hours, heading west over the South China Sea, fresh reports of casualties continued to emerge.

In Batangas province, south of Manila, six unidentified bodies were found in Sampaloc village, according to police staff sergeant Nelson Cabuso. “The area was hit by a flash flood yesterday. Our team is still there checking for other casualties,” he said.

Local media reported that many areas in the province remain inaccessible to search and rescue teams.

In the coastal village of Subic Ilaya, another five people were reported dead following a flash flood, as confirmed by police corporal Alvin de Leon.

While Manila avoided the extensive flooding seen during Typhoon Gaemi in July, AFP reporters observed a largely submerged subdivision south of the capital on Friday.