As Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) subsided on Friday, Philippine disaster officials reported a rise in the death toll to 46, up from the previous day’s tally. The storm, which marked the 11th to strike the country this year, left extensive devastation across 15 regions from Mindanao to Luzon, with the Bicol region experiencing the most significant impact, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
OCD data indicated that among the 46 fatalities, 28 were from Bicol, 15 from Calabarzon, and one each from the Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions. Additionally, 20 individuals were reported missing. The majority of deaths resulted from drowning in widespread floods that submerged entire towns, while others were fatalities from landslides triggered by the torrential rain and strong winds.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) provided a more conservative estimate, confirming 13 deaths, 11 recorded in Bicol and one each in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. Casualty figures often vary in the immediate aftermath of a disaster due to differing reports and updates from local and national officials.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine affected over 2.6 million individuals, equivalent to 569,524 families, across the 15 regions. Bicol again saw the largest number of people impacted, with over 1.8 million residents experiencing adverse effects. The widespread damage displaced thousands, with 239,200 individuals, or around 64,447 families, seeking refuge in various evacuation centers nationwide.
Local government units and aid organizations are currently mobilizing to address the basic needs of evacuees, including food, shelter, and medical support. Roads blocked by debris and landslides continue challenging efforts, particularly in remote areas, which delays rescue and relief operations. Emergency services have been deployed to high-risk zones to monitor and respond to potential aftereffects, such as landslides or further flash floods due to saturated soil conditions.
While the rains have eased, the impact of Kristine is expected to leave long-term challenges in the hardest-hit areas, especially in rebuilding infrastructure, and homes, and restoring local economies.