Torrential rains brought by tropical storm Trami, locally called storm Kristine, triggered widespread flooding in eastern Philippines that has killed at least nine people, turned streets into rivers, submerged entire villages and buried some vehicles in volcanic sediment set loose by the downpour.
Thousands more people were marooned in their homes and on rooftops as emergency services have struggled to respond to a deluge of rescue requests.
Landslides are also expected in many areas with heavy rainfall warnings, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to advise the public and disaster offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
Typhoons are common around the region at this time of year; however, a recent study showed that they are increasingly forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change.
About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Philippines or its surrounding waters each year, Trami is the 11th storm to hit so far in 2024.
