Rescuers in Bicol evacuating residents trapped on their roofs. SCREENSHOT/PIA BICOL REGION

Tropical Storm Trami (Local name: Kristine) brought severe floods, destroyed homes, and displaced residents in Bicol ahead of its expected landfall, local reports said on Wednesday (October 23). Floods swept away several houses in Libon, Albay, and a hole was spotted on a road in Daet, Camarines Norte due to heavy rains. Some residents in Legazpi, Albay were spotted walking along the metal railings of a bridge to cross the strong flood current. A state of calamity was declared in Albay due to the tropical storm. In a Facebook Live on October 23, Bicol's Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shared a first-person video showing the speaker on top of a roof in Naga, displaying knee-deep floodwaters. The speaker then pointed to the roads, mentioning that the floodwaters had already risen above the height of an average person. Former vice president and Naga resident Leni Robredo also posted on Facebook past midnight, stressing the urgent need for pump boats, as individuals had been trapped on their roofs for several hours. Bicol's Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) posted on Facebook that severe flooding had prevented rescuers from reaching affected areas, especially Camarines Sur, Albay, and Naga. Engr. Dante Baclao, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management, said the floods in some areas, such as Polangui, were so severe that rescuers were unable to evacuate people. "Last night, it really was not possible. The flood was above head level. It was too risky. We waited. Now that floodwaters have gone down a bit, our rescuers will go there today. The residents have to be rescued before they get hypothermia," said Baclao. The effects of Trami were also felt in the Visayas. Some roads in Sitio Santo Niño in Catbalogan, Samar, were submerged in floodwaters, impacting the movement of motorists and residents. Several motor bancas were damaged by large waves, and strong winds also stripped the roofs of various establishments, including stalls and a gym. In Northern Samar, floods extended to the fields and the second floors of houses. Catarman town also experienced heavy rainfall. According to PAGASA, Trami, which was located at 10 a.m. 275 km east of Baler, Aurora, is expected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. FLE/Expat Media
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