Manila: Tropical Storm Trami moved away from the northwestern Philippines on Friday, leaving behind devastating floods and landslides that have claimed at least 82 lives. Authorities are racing to find rescue boats to save thousands of people trapped in their homes, some stranded on rooftops.

Landslides devastate Batangas and surrounding areas

A provincial police chief reported that 49 people were killed in Batangas province, primarily due to landslides. An additional 11 villagers remain missing. In Talisay, police recovered parts of the bodies of a woman and her child buried in a landslide while her husband, a fisherman, watched in shock. He had been away tending to fish cages when the disaster struck.

“He's simply devastated,” said Colonel Jacinto Malinao Jr., referring to the fisherman. “We’re only asking him to point to where their bedroom was located so we can dig in that part.”

Flooding and landslides across multiple regions

The storm, which is the 11th and one of the deadliest to hit the Philippines this year, has caused significant destruction in regions such as Bicol, where 26 people lost their lives in floods and landslides. Bicol, an agricultural region, is popular for Mayon Volcano, which was impacted by the mudflows. At least 27 people remain missing across several provinces, including 17 in Batangas.

In the city of Naga, 11 people drowned during the floods, and officials in Camarines Sur and Albay pleaded for more rescue boats to reach those stranded by rising floodwaters. Many towns were inundated with flash floods due to the storm, with some areas receiving up to two months' worth of rainfall in just 24 hours.

President Marcos concerned over storm's potential return

State forecasters have warned that Trami may make a rare U-turn next week, pushed by high-pressure winds in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos expressed concern during an emergency meeting on Friday, asking whether the storm could return.

“It doesn't have to make landfall for the damage to occur,” Marcos noted, referring to the persistent downpours and ongoing devastation.

Millions affected, schools closed, rescue operations continue

More than 2.6 million people have been affected by the storm, with nearly 320,000 fleeing to evacuation centres or staying with relatives. In response to the widespread destruction, schools and government offices have been closed for three consecutive days in Luzon, and inter-island ferry services were suspended.

Vietnam braces for impact

The storm, last tracked 410 kilometres west of Ilocos Sur, is heading towards Vietnam, with forecasts indicating potential landfall by Sunday. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed coastal provinces to closely monitor Trami and prepare for heavy rains and possible contingencies.

Last month, Vietnam experienced severe destruction from Typhoon Yagi, which resulted in the deaths of 323 people and caused damage estimated at USD 3.3 billion.

Annual storm threat continues

The Philippines, located between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, endures approximately 20 storms and typhoons each year. The country has not forgotten the horrors of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing.

AP inputs