Kristine PH 2024 | A Tropical Storm
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trani), the Philippines’ 11th tropical cyclone for 2024, unleashed its havoc to the Bicol region on Tuesday, October 22. Ahead of the storm’s landfall and in just 24 hours, almost two month’s worth of rainfall resulted rivers to overflow and triggered flash floods. The tropical storm also caused power outages.
Amongst the heavily affected areas in the Bicol region is Naga City. The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said that 30% of Naga’s land area was covered by flood waters, the worst in 30 years, affecting 70% of the city’s population. Its residents were forced to flee their homes as flood waters reached as high as the roofs of bungalows. Authorities continue to rescue residents trapped in their houses due to high water levels.
The flash floods can be attributed to the heavy rainfall, high tide, overflowing of the Bicol River and the spilling of water from Mount Isarog. Buses at the Naga City Central Bus Terminal, including business establishments, entertainment facilities, schools and government offices were engulfed in flood waters. Even the most recent plan by the local government to provide food for barangay Sta. Rafaela, Sabang had to be rescheduled – the high levels of flood waters made the area impassable.
A report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stated that at least 315,160 families (or 1,498,966 individuals) were affected. Sheltered in evacuation centres were 34,099 families (123,376 individuals), while another 7,571 families (31,131 individuals) are staying with relatives or friends. Stranded passengers numbered to 2,983.
Several local governments and municipalities in Bicol have declared a state of calamity in their respective localities. To ensure the safety of the public, the national government has suspended work and classes on all levels. A price freeze will apply for about 60 days or until the president declares otherwise.
Amidst the critical situation, additional support is urgently needed by these typhoon-stricken areas. The number of rescue requests is overwhelming. Safety and well-being must be secured.
Hope and help are important and needed now, more than ever. And, just like during #LoveInTheMidstOfTheCovidStorm, Heart for Philippines, together with Villa Caceres Hotel (Naga City), are again gearing up toward providing some relief in this great time of need for the Bicolanos.
Join us. Hand in hand. Let us help alleviate the pain and harshness brought by the aftermath of this tropical storm.
Thank you for your kind comments and support. Donate – Heart for Philippines
“Heart for Philippines” is an official registered charity in the UK with Charity Number: 1193858.
“Heart for Philippines” is a family-run charitable organisation and 100% of your donations will go toward relief aid. All administration costs are fully funded from private means.
