Tropical Storm Penha has wreaked havoc across the southern Philippines, claiming four lives and forcing over 6,000 residents to flee their homes as relentless rains triggered severe flooding and landslides. The storm, locally referred to as Basyang, made landfall late Thursday in Surigao del Sur and is now moving westward through the central islands.
Catastrophic Consequences
Tragically, a family of four, including two children, lost their lives in Cagayan de Oro when their makeshift home was engulfed by a landslide caused by the heavy downpour. This disaster underscores the storm’s devastating impact, as torrential rain continues to batter the region, exacerbating an already dire situation.
In Iligan City, approximately 55 kilometres southwest of Cagayan de Oro, residents are trapped in their homes as floodwaters rise alarmingly. One woman, fearing for her family’s safety, reached out to DZMM radio pleading for rescue from her second-floor window. “Rescuers are on the way,” assured Antonio Sugarol, regional director of the Office of Civil Defence, during the live broadcast, confirming that efforts were underway to evacuate families from the worst-hit areas of Mahayahay and Tubod.
Evacuations and Disruptions
The Office of Civil Defence reported that more than 6,000 individuals have been displaced, with around 5,800 seeking refuge in evacuation centres across the affected provinces. In response to the severe flooding, classes have been suspended in various locales, while roads and communities remain submerged.
Transport networks have also been significantly disrupted. The Philippine Coast Guard announced that nearly 5,000 passengers and cargo workers are stranded at 94 seaports due to the suspension of inter-island ferry services. Additionally, numerous domestic flights have been cancelled, leaving thousands of travellers stranded at airports.
Unusual Timing for a Storm
Penha is notable for its unusually wide rain and wind bands, extending approximately 660 kilometres, especially concerning given that it has formed ahead of the typical summer season when tropical storms are less frequent. Government meteorologist Robert Badrina highlighted that such a storm developing outside the usual peak typhoon months is particularly alarming. The latest forecasts indicate that Penha may weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks northwest toward Palawan province, although the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding persists.
The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, often facing around 20 typhoons and tropical storms annually. The nation is also vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activities due to its geographical location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Why it Matters
The devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Penha highlights the increasing vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events, a trend exacerbated by climate change. As communities grapple with the immediate impacts of flooding and displacement, the long-term repercussions of such disasters raise critical questions about disaster preparedness and response in one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. The urgency for improved infrastructure and effective emergency management strategies has never been clearer, as the resilience of local populations continues to be tested.
