Philippines: Disruptions ongoing across northern and central regions Oct. 27 after TS Trami passing /update 1

Disruptions associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Trami are ongoing across parts of northern and central Philippines as of Oct. 27. 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 four million people. The death toll has risen to 100, including at least 55 fatalities in Batangas Province. At least 36 other people remain missing. The casualty count is likely to be further adjusted in the coming days.

The storm is expected to loop back over the Philippines by Oct. 28-29 after passing through Vietnam; it may interact with Tropical Storm Kong-Rey, currently approximately 1,000 km (621 miles) east of central Luzon. Additional downpours will likely exacerbate the ongoing flood situation and hamper response and recovery operations.

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 have reopened airports affected by the storm, 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, with disruptions likely to persist over the coming days.

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.