Metro Manila, Philippines – At least seven people were killed as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine brought intense rains and flooding across a large portion of the country, affecting more than two million people, according to official government data.
In its 8:00 AM situation report on Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said six people were killed in the Bicol region, while one fatality was reported in Calabarzon. Four individuals were injured in Bicol. Seven people are reported missing from the two regions, as well as Ilocos.
Local authorities are reporting more casualties.
According to the NDRRMC, Kristine has affected 431,738 families, or over two million people, across 12 regions. More than 43,000 families have been forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers.
Flooding has been reported in 143 areas, with 17 landslides mainly in Bicol.
As of Thursday morning, more than 300 roads and bridges remain impassable, primarily in the Bicol region.
Power interruptions were reported in 114 cities and municipalities.
Kristine also disrupted travel, rendering an airport in Bicol and another in Mimaropa non-operational as of Thursday morning – on top of various domestic flight cancellations.
Some 86 seaports remain not operational, stranding nearly 6,000 passengers.
In Bicol, 18 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity.
Malacanañang suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in Luzon.
The state weather bureau PAGASA forecasts that Kristine will exit the Luzon landmass and move over the waters west of Ilocos this afternoon, leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow. ###
KRISTINE is forecast to leave the landmass of Luzon and emerge over the waters west of Ilocos Region this afternoon. KRISTINE will then move west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) region tomorrow (25 October) afternoon.
