Tropical Storm Yagi hit the Philippines for a second day, causing floods and landslides that resulted in at least 11 deaths, including a nine-month-old girl. The city of Naga was particularly hard hit as the storm passed by its coast, leaving two dead and widespread flooding. The floodwaters reached head height in some areas, leading to a large number of residents needing to be rescued by emergency responders. Over 300 people were still in evacuation camps on Monday, as the floodwaters were slow to recede due to high tide.
In the central city of Cebu, two landslides occurred on Sunday, killing two people and damaging multiple homes. Additionally, three more people, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in a landslide on Monday in Antipolo. The bodies of four drowning victims were recovered in other areas of the community after creeks overflowed overnight. The impact of Tropical Storm Yagi has been widespread throughout the Philippines, with various regions experiencing different levels of devastation from flooding and landslides.
The city of Naga, with a population of 210,000, saw significant damage and loss of life as a result of the storm. The public safety office reported that the floods were so severe that they reached above head height in some areas, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The slow receding of floodwaters due to high tide added to the challenges faced by local officials and residents in dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue those affected and help them find shelter in evacuation camps.
In Cebu, the landslides caused by Tropical Storm Yagi resulted in multiple fatalities and the destruction of homes. The local disaster office reported that two people had been killed on Sunday, and additional deaths occurred in landslides on Monday in Antipolo. The pregnant woman who lost her life in the landslide highlighted the vulnerability of certain populations during natural disasters. The recovery efforts in these areas were hampered by the unpredictable nature of the storm and its impact on communities, creating challenges for those involved in relief operations.
The widespread damage caused by Tropical Storm Yagi underscores the vulnerability of the Philippines to severe weather events and the importance of preparedness and response efforts. The storm’s impact on various regions, including Naga, Cebu, and Antipolo, has resulted in loss of life, damage to homes, and displacement of residents. The recovery and rebuilding process will require coordinated efforts from local authorities, emergency responders, and humanitarian organizations to ensure that those affected receive the necessary support and assistance in the aftermath of the storm. The country’s experience with Yagi serves as a reminder of the need for resilience and readiness in the face of natural disasters.
