Locations Affected: Philippines
Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) caused torrential rainfall and widespread flooding in various regions of the eastern Philippines on 22 October. At least one person has been reported dead, five injured, and seven missing due to the storm so far. Albay Province in the Bicol Region recorded approximately two months’ worth of rainfall in just 24 hours. Tropical Storm Kristine was located 304 km northeast of Manila, Philippines, and has tracked north-westward at 19 kph (10 knots) as of 1400 hours local time on 23 October. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the centre, with gusts up to 105 kph. Tropical Storm Kristine is the Philippines’ eleventh tropical cyclone in 2024.
Source: https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/tropical-cyclone/severe-weather-bulletin
Impact of the Tropical Storm
- Storm warnings were issued for northern and central provinces, including Manila, where heavy rainfall is anticipated on 23 October. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges in coastal towns within the storm’s path.
- The government has closed public schools and government offices in Luzon, except for those urgently needed for disaster response. The Coast Guard suspended inter-island ferry services and barred fishing boats from venturing into the sea, leading to thousands of passengers and cargo workers being stranded at seaports.
- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) cancelled at least eight domestic flights on 22 October. Flight operations at Calbayog Airport were suspended, while Catarman Airport cancelled all scheduled flights on 22 October.
- Villages in northeastern provinces, low-lying communities, and landslide-prone areas have been evacuated. At least 8,000 villagers have been evacuated in Quezon, where some areas have witnessed floods of up to three meters. Coast Guard personnel have been rescuing residents in flooded villages in the eastern provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for an emergency meeting to discuss disaster mitigation efforts. The president has ordered government agencies to closely monitor the volume of rainfall and prepare government resources according to people’s needs.
Weather Forecast and Potential Disruptions
PAGASA has forecast the possibility of the storm making landfall as a severe tropical storm in Isabela between the evening of 23 October and the morning of 24 October. It has the potential to re-intensify over the West Philippine Sea after exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by 25 October. Heavy rainfall and flooding are expected to continue until the storm exits the PAR. Travel disruptions are likely to persist due to flooding and debris on roads. Supply chain disruptions may continue as torrential rainfall and winds have closed seaports. Flights may be cancelled or delayed depending on weather conditions. Damage to utility lines could lead to disruptions in electricity and communication services. Organizations are advised to stay updated on the situation, follow advisories issued by authorities, and prepare necessary contingency plans. Storm updates and weather warnings can be found through PAGASA’s official website: https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/.
