As of 8 p.m. on October 24, 2024, several provinces and towns across the Philippines have been placed under a state of calamity due to the widespread destruction caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. The storm, which brought intense rainfall and strong winds, resulted in severe flooding, landslides, and property damage, prompting the local government units to declare the emergency status.
Among the affected areas are parts of CALABARZON, the Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas. CALABARZON, Cavite, and Quezon provinces, including the municipalities of Mulanay, Tagkawayan, and Lucban, have reported significant damage. The Bicol Region, which bore the brunt of Kristine’s wrath, has seen Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon—including the towns of Donsol and Matnog—suffer from devastating floods and landslides.
Eastern Visayas has also been severely impacted, with the province of Samar and Calbayog City enduring significant damage from the storm’s relentless rains.
Kristine made landfall in Divilacan, Isabela, shortly after midnight on October 24, 2024. Despite moving towards Northern Luzon, the storm had already left a path of destruction in its wake, especially in the Bicol region, which experienced hours of torrential downpours and powerful winds.
Local authorities have mobilized rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. In many towns, residents have been evacuated to higher ground as rivers overflowed and landslides buried homes. Provincial disaster risk reduction offices are coordinating with national agencies to provide immediate relief such as food, clean water, and medical supplies to those affected.
The state of calamity declaration enables the local government units to access emergency funds to expedite relief efforts and rebuild damaged infrastructure. It also allows for the imposition of a price freeze on basic goods to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the situation.
As of the latest reports, power outages and disruptions to communication lines persist in several areas, further complicating the response. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned residents in low-lying and mountainous areas to remain on alert, as heavy rains are expected to continue in the coming days.