More than 20 dead as tropical storm batters the Philippines

At least 21 people have been reported dead in the wake of a powerful tropical storm that struck the Philippines earlier this week, bringing with it torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding. The storm, which made landfall on the eastern coast, has left a trail of destruction in its path, displacing thousands of residents and cutting off access to several towns and villages.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the tropical storm, locally named Typhoon Marina, intensified as it moved westward across the country. Wind speeds reached over 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), with gusts of up to 130 kph (80 mph). Heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in low-lying areas, overwhelming local communities already vulnerable from previous weather disturbances.

Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that several provinces in the central and southern regions were severely affected by the storm. Hardest hit were the provinces of Samar, Leyte, and Surigao del Sur, where villages were submerged under floodwaters and mudslides destroyed homes.

Local authorities confirmed that most of the deaths resulted from drowning, landslides, and falling debris. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover bodies and search for survivors, but many areas remain inaccessible due to blocked roads and collapsed bridges. In Samar, one of the worst-affected regions, several families were reported missing after floodwaters swept away homes and vehicles.

Government officials have declared a state of calamity in the hardest-hit provinces, enabling the release of emergency funds to provide relief and aid to affected communities. However, relief operations have been hampered by the challenging weather conditions and damaged infrastructure, with some areas completely cut off from communication and transportation.

Thousands Displaced

As of Thursday morning, the NDRRMC estimates that more than 200,000 people have been displaced by the storm, many of them now living in temporary shelters set up by the government and humanitarian organizations. Evacuation centers are filling up fast, and concerns are mounting about the spread of diseases, particularly waterborne illnesses, in the crowded conditions.

In Tacloban City, which was heavily impacted by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, residents described scenes of devastation as floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing them to flee to higher ground. “The water came so fast, we barely had time to grab our belongings. It was terrifying,” said one local resident, recounting the ordeal.

The storm also caused widespread power outages in several regions, leaving thousands without electricity. Local utility companies are working to restore power, but they have warned that it could take days, if not weeks, to fully repair the damage. Telecommunications have also been disrupted, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.