81 Deaths, 34 Missing as Severe Tropical Storm Trami Hits Philippines

MANILA: The Office of Civil Defence of the Philippines has reported 81 deaths as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, swept through the nation, causing widespread devastation. The storm's impact has also resulted in 34 individuals being reported missing, many of whom are feared trapped due to landslides. According to Emirates News Agency, the figures were disclosed by Under-Secretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defence during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. Nepomuceno emphasized that the reported fatalities are "subject to validation" to confirm whether they were directly caused by the storm. He further explained that the initial reports came from the regional offices of the Office of Civil Defence and would require verification by the Philippine National Police. The verified data will then be submitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government for further action. The rising number of missing persons, currently at 34, adds to the urgency of the ong oing rescue and recovery efforts. Most of those missing are believed to have been caught in landslides triggered by the heavy rains and strong winds brought by the storm. The authorities continue to conduct search operations in affected areas, hoping to locate and rescue as many individuals as possible.