On October 24th, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) of the Philippines reported that Typhoon “Tammy” has affected over 2.36 million people across the country, with more than 250,000 individuals forced to evacuate their homes.
As of 8 PM on October 24th, NDRRMC data indicated that the typhoon has led to 12 confirmed deaths and 4 injuries, with 7 individuals reported missing. However, local police from the Bicol region noted earlier that the number of fatalities there alone has reached 20. Reuters cited Philippine officials stating that the storm has caused at least 26 deaths nationwide.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Tammy” made landfall in the municipality of Diffun, Isabela province, in the early hours of October 24th. The typhoon has resulted in heavy rainfall across multiple areas, leading to flooding and landslides, which have caused both casualties and significant property damage. The Bicol region has been hit the hardest, with the number of affected individuals reaching approximately 1.86 million.
The report further revealed that the typhoon has damaged 1,323 houses and 9 infrastructure sites nationwide to varying degrees. At least 252 roads and 40 bridges remain impassable. In addition, 90 sea ports across the country are experiencing operational disruptions, leaving 7,516 passengers and 1,901 vessels stranded.
As a response to the impact of the typhoon, the Presidential Office announced on the evening of October 23rd that all government offices and schools on Luzon Island would suspend operations on October 24th, marking the second consecutive day of such measures. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine Central Bank) also announced the suspension of foreign exchange trading for the day.
PAGASA anticipates that “Tammy” will leave the Philippine area of responsibility on October 25th.
