Manila: Tropical Storm Yagi, known locally as Enteng, has caused significant devastation in the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The storm brought heavy rains to Manila and surrounding provinces, triggering floods and a landslide, according to a disaster agency official.
In Antipolo, a hilly area east of Manila, a landslide struck two houses, claiming the lives of three individuals, including two schoolboys and a 27-year-old pregnant woman. Relly Bernardo, the city’s disaster management chief, reported, “This is a landslide-prone area and we have been encouraging them to leave for the longest time with offers of housing in other locations,” during an interview with DWPM radio station.
In addition to the landslide, four people drowned in separate incidents within Rizal province, where flooding submerged several homes. The Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical storms annually, with many being typhoons and landslides being a significant cause of casualties.
The heavy rains caused severe flooding across various parts of the country on Monday, leading to the suspension of government work and classes. Tropical Storm Yagi brought winds of up to 85 kph (53 mph), with gusts reaching 105 kph (65 mph), as it continued its northwest movement across Luzon, the Philippines’ largest and most populous island.
Resident Gloria Nicolas described the situation in Rizal province: “The water was gushing here and on the other side of our street, the water was rising close to the rooftop of houses.” She added, “Some residents got trapped and had to escape by passing through the roofs of houses.”
