Tropical Storm Penha Causes Flooding,Landslides,and Displacement in the Philippines
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A powerful tropical storm triggered widespread flooding and a devastating landslide in the southern Philippines,resulting in at least eight confirmed fatalities and displacing over 28,000 residents,officials reported on Friday. Tropical Storm Penha, known locally as Basyang, made landfall in the southeastern province of Surigao del Sur late Thursday before weakening into a tropical depression.
Devastating Impact and Rescue Efforts
The stormS relentless rainfall caused a landslide that tragically claimed the lives of a couple and their two children in a quarry area near Cagayan de Oro city on Thursday night. Antonio Sugarol, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, confirmed the family perished when their home was struck by the slide. Further south, three individuals drowned in floodwaters in Iligan city, and another resident lost their life in Carmen town, Agusan del Norte province, according to the Office of Civil defense.
the situation in Iligan city, located approximately 80 kilometers (48 miles) southwest of Cagayan de oro, remains particularly dire. A resident contacted the DZMM radio network Friday morning, desperately pleading for rescue as floodwaters inundated her home, trapping her family and three other families on the second floor. “Rescuers are on the way,” Sugarol assured the frantic resident during a live radio broadcast, adding that rescue teams were actively working to reach those stranded in the villages of Mahayahay and Tubod.
Widespread Disruption and Displacement
More than 28,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge in emergency shelters across the southern and central provinces. Authorities have suspended classes in numerous areas as a precautionary measure. The storm also caused meaningful disruption to transportation, stranding over 7,400 passengers and cargo workers at 78 seaports after interisland ferries and cargo ships were temporarily halted from navigating the rough seas, the Philippine coast Guard reported.
Storm Trajectory and Regional Vulnerability
As of friday night, the storm was tracked off the central province of Cebu, with sustained winds reaching up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) per hour and gusts up to 75 kph (47 mph). Government forecasters predict Penha will continue to weaken as it moves northwestward across the central islands.despite arriving ahead of the typical summer season, when the Philippines experiences fewer storms, the event underscores the nation’s extreme vulnerability to natural disasters.
According to a government forecaster, Robert Badrina, the storm possesses a 660-kilometer- (410-mile-) wide rain and wind band. The Philippines is routinely battered by approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, and is also prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
Why did it happen? Tropical Storm Penha (Basyang) formed and intensified due to warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. The storm made landfall in the southern Philippines, bringing torrential rainfall.
Who was affected? At least 28,000 residents were displaced, and eight people were confirmed dead. Families in Surigao del Sur,Cagayan de Oro,Iligan City,and Agusan del Norte province were directly impacted. Transportation was disrupted, stranding thousands.
What was the extent of the damage? The storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, and significant disruption to transportation. Homes were destroyed, and classes were suspended in numerous areas. The landslide near Cagayan de Oro resulted
