On Monday, September 2, 2024, residents in Cainta, Rizal province, Philippines, used a makeshift raft to navigate floodwaters caused by heavy rains from Tropical Storm Yagi, also known locally as Enteng, as they headed back to their homes. AP Photo
A powerful storm has moved out of the northern Philippines, leaving behind a trail of destruction that resulted in at least 14 deaths. Tropical Storm Yagi, locally named Enteng, made its way across Paoay in Ilocos Norte province and continued into the South China Sea. The storm brought with it sustained winds of up to 75 kilometres per hour (47 miles per hour) and gusts reaching 125 kph (78 mph). It is expected to intensify into a typhoon as it heads northwest toward southern China.
Storm warnings remain in effect across northern provinces in the Philippines. Residents have been cautioned about the ongoing risk of landslides in rain-drenched mountain areas and flooding in lowland regions of Luzon, the country’s most populated island. The storm also triggered enhanced seasonal monsoon rains, causing severe downpours across Luzon, including the densely populated capital region of Metro Manila. As a result, classes and government work in the capital have been suspended.
In the wake of the storm, which has caused significant damage across northern and central provinces, at least 14 people have been confirmed dead. In Antipolo, a popular pilgrimage and tourist city west of Manila, a landslide buried shanties, killing three people, including a pregnant woman. Four others drowned in nearby creeks and rivers. Four villagers are still missing after their home was swept away in the flooding.
The storm also caused major disruptions in travel. Thousands of travellers were stranded as sea travel was temporarily halted at several ports and 34 domestic flights were cancelled due to the severe weather conditions.
One notable incident involved a training ship, the M/V Kamilla, which was anchored in Manila Bay near Navotas port. The ship was struck by another vessel that lost control due to rough waves. The impact damaged the Kamilla’s bridge, leading to a fire. The ship’s 18 cadets and crew were forced to abandon the ship. A passing tugboat managed to rescue 17 people, while one person swam to safety.
The Philippines, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire—a region known for its frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes—experiences around 20 typhoons and storms each year. This makes the nation one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world.
