Philippines: Disruptions ongoing across northern and central regions following TS Trami early Oct. 26

Disruptions associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Trami are ongoing across parts of northern and central Philippines as of early Oct. 26. The storm system made landfall in Divilacan Town, Isabela Province, at around 00:30 Oct. 24 before tracking westward across northern Luzon. Heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with Trami have caused damage and widespread flooding, affecting more than 3 million people, with more than 380,000 people evacuated. The death toll has risen to 82, including 49 fatalities in Batangas Province. At least 27 other people remain missing, including 17 in Batangas Province.

Officials have declared States of Calamity across Cavite Province and parts of Albay, Cotobato, Eastern Samar, Quezon, and Sorsogon provinces. Reports indicate damage to more than 1,400 homes. Emergency services have carried out hundreds of rescue operations to evacuate people caught in floods. Floodwaters and landslides have impacted hundreds of roads and dozens of bridges across the affected areas. Power outages have occurred in dozens of municipalities across the affected areas and water supply disruptions and communication outages are ongoing in some regions.

Officials canceled hundreds of flights and closed some airports in the affected areas Oct. 23-25; airports will likely begin to resume normal operations over the coming hours and days now that the storm has passed, but lingering disruptions are possible as airlines work to clear the backlog of passengers. Ferry services were also suspended at many ports across the Philippines and around 7,500 people remain stranded at ports across the country as of early Oct. 26. Officials have closed schools and suspended work in government offices across hundreds of municipalities due to the impact of the severe weather.

Further scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast over western Luzon and most of the Visayas through at least Oct. 26; additional downpours will likely exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and hamper response and recovery operations.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. Further utility outages will likely occur over the coming days and weeks, and shortages of fuel and other essential goods are probable.

Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect-borne and waterborne diseases, such as cholera. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters could pose a severe health threat.