Oct 24, V7N- Tropical Storm Trami, locally known as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, has claimed at least 26 lives and forced over 150,000 people to evacuate in the Philippines as it made landfall on the northeastern coast. The storm brought torrential rain, triggering widespread flooding and landslides, particularly on the main island of Luzon.

With maximum sustained winds of 95 kph (59 mph), Trami is moving westward across the northern mountainous region of Cordillera towards the South China Sea. The country's state weather agency has warned of continued heavy rainfall, landslides, and potential storm surges in the northern provinces.

The majority of the fatalities have been reported from the Bicol region, where severe flooding and landslides have devastated communities. In the city of Naga, 14 deaths were reported on Thursday. Isabela province's Divilacan town, where the storm made landfall, has so far reported no casualties.

In response to the severe weather, the government has ordered businesses and schools in affected areas to close, and over 163,000 people have taken refuge in evacuation centers, primarily in Bicol. Flights have been canceled, and the central bank suspended foreign exchange trading and monetary operations for a second consecutive day.

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical storms each year, often leading to devastating rain, floods, and landslides.

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