Home Climate Change Deadly Tropical Storm Kristine Claims 59 Lives in Batangas

Deadly Tropical Storm Kristine Claims 59 Lives in Batangas

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BATANGAS CITY, Philippines (AP) – The devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) has claimed 59 lives in Batangas province, with 16 still missing and 18 injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The hardest hit areas were the cities of Lipa and Calaca, as well as the lakeside towns of Lemery, Calatagan, Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo. In the town of Talisay, at least 14 people were reportedly buried in a landslide in Barangay Sampaloc.

“We have already given PHP10,000 cash assistance for burial and another PHP10,000 will be given soon. We will also provide housing assistance, especially those who are from Cuenca and Talisay,” said Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Mandanas dismissed allegations that quarrying caused the landslides, attributing the tragedies to the relentless rainfall on Thursday that led to a one-meter increase in the water level around Taal Lake. The overflowing of the Pansipit River also flooded the towns of Lemery and Taal.

The province was placed under a state of calamity on Friday, unlocking PHP41.8 million in quick response funds. As of Sunday, there were still 116 open evacuation centers sheltering 27,853 families or 97,106 individuals, with 4,175 families or 11,800 persons still in the centers.

The PDRRMO reported that 2,922 houses were damaged, with 356 completely destroyed. Efforts are underway to restore electricity and water connections in the affected areas.

Despite the grim toll, Governor Mandanas urged families of the deceased to bury their loved ones quickly, as Tropical Storm Leon was looming, potentially bringing more destruction to the battered province.

“We have teams deployed for search, rescue, retrieval, relief, medical, and clearing operations,” said PDRRMO head Amor Calayan. “Food, non-food and medical assistance are also being provided by the provincial government.”

As the region reels from the impact of Kristine, the people of Batangas remain resilient, determined to rebuild and recover from this devastating natural disaster.