KEY POINTS
- Tropical Storm Penha unleashed fatal landslides and widespread flooding across the southern Philippines.
- Authorities report at least eight casualties and the displacement of over 28,000 residents.
- Massive transportation disruptions left thousands of travelers and cargo workers stranded at regional seaports.
A powerful tropical storm named Penha recently hammered the southern and central Philippines. The weather system triggered devastating landslides and rapid flooding in several provinces. Local disaster officials confirmed that at least eight people lost their lives during the storm. Among the victims was a family of four buried by a landslide in Cagayan de Oro.
The storm made its initial landfall in Surigao del Sur late Thursday evening. It carried a massive rain band spanning 660 kilometers across the archipelago. This unusual width for a pre-summer storm brought relentless torrential rains to large areas. Many low-lying villages quickly became submerged as river levels rose beyond their banks.
Rescue teams worked through the night to reach families trapped in their homes. In Iligan city, residents pleaded for help from second-story balconies as floodwaters surged. Emergency workers used boats and trucks to move thousands of people to safety. Over 28,000 individuals are now staying in temporary government evacuation centers.
Transportation networks across the region have come to a complete standstill. The Philippine Coast Guard suspended all sea travel due to dangerously rough conditions. This decision left nearly 7,400 passengers and cargo workers stuck at various ports. Dozens of domestic flights were also canceled, further isolating the affected southern islands.
Government forecasters noted that Penha developed outside the typical peak typhoon season. The storm is locally known as Basyang and has since weakened into a depression. It is currently moving northwest toward Palawan and the Sulu Sea. Despite the weakening winds, officials warn that the risk of further flooding remains high.
The Philippines remains one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world. It typically faces around 20 major storms or typhoons every calendar year. This latest event highlights the ongoing vulnerability of coastal and mountainous communities. Local leaders continue to urge residents to remain vigilant as cleanup efforts begin.
