Tropical storm Yagi claims lives in the Philippines
At least 13 people have died as a result of Tropical Storm Yagi, known locally as Enteng, which has caused significant disruption across the Philippines. The storm made landfall on Monday in the eastern town of Casiguran in Aurora province, leading to widespread power outages and extensive damage.
As of 8 a.m. local time (0000 GMT), Yagi was reported to be in coastal waters off the northern city of Laoag in Ilocos province. The storm, with sustained winds of 75 km/h (47 mph), is expected to continue moving northwest over the South China Sea, according to the state weather agency Pag-asa.
The storm’s impact has been severe, particularly in Antipolo, east of Manila, where at least seven fatalities have been confirmed due to landslides and drowning. Four individuals are reported missing after being swept away by a landslide and flash flood. “Search and rescue is ongoing,” said Antipolo disaster officer Enrilito Bernardo.
Fatalities have also been reported in other regions. Two people in Northern Samar died due to a landslide, and one person drowned in Negros Oriental. Additionally, three people have been reported dead in the eastern city of Naga, according to disaster officer Ernesto Elcamel. Another two deaths in Cebu remain unconfirmed as storm-related.
In response to the storm, schools and government offices in Manila and surrounding provinces were closed on Tuesday. The Philippines, which faces an average of 20 tropical storms and typhoons each year, continues to grapple with the effects of this severe weather event.
