Tropical Storm Yagi Triggers Floods and Evacuations in Northern Philippines
A slow-moving Tropical Storm Yagi, locally known as Enteng, brought heavy rains that flooded many areas in the northern Philippines overnight into Monday, leading to widespread class suspensions and halted government operations in the capital region.
With sustained winds of up to 75 km/h and gusts reaching 90 km/h, Yagi hovered over the coastal waters of Vinzons town, Camarines Norte province. The storm is moving northwest at 10 km/h, with the weather bureau warning of possible flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas of Luzon, the country’s largest island.
In Naga City, Camarines Sur province, a resident died from electrocution amid the flooding, though authorities are still verifying if the death is weather-related. Coastal villages in Northern Samar were evacuated after floodwaters rose waist-high, with the coast guard rescuing 40 residents.
In the capital region, sirens blared along the banks of the Marikina River, alerting thousands of residents to prepare for possible evacuation as water levels rose. Sea travel was suspended, stranding about 2,400 passengers, while nearly two dozen domestic flights were canceled due to dangerous conditions.
Bulacan’s Ipo Dam also neared spilling levels, prompting a controlled release of water. The Philippines, frequently hit by around 20 storms annually, remains on high alert, with authorities bracing for further impact from the storm in the coming days.
