Tropical Storm Yagi, locally known as Enteng, caused widespread devastation across the northern Philippines, leaving at least 14 people dead due to landslides, floods, and swollen rivers.
Yagi, with sustained winds of up to 75 kph and gusts up to 125 kph, was forecasted to intensify into a typhoon as it moved northwestward over the South China Sea, threatening to cause further damage as it heads toward southern China.
Storm warnings remained in place for most northern Philippine provinces. Residents were cautioned about the ongoing risks of landslides in rain-soaked mountainous areas and flooding in the lowlands, especially in Luzon, the country's most populous region.
The storm caused significant disruption, with 34 domestic flights canceled and sea travel halted in multiple ports. Government work and classes were suspended in the capital region, metropolitan Manila, due to the severe weather conditions brought on by the storm.
Yagi’s heavy rains led to significant flooding in various parts of Luzon, including the densely populated Manila area. In Rizal province, residents reported water levels rising close to the rooftops of houses, forcing many to evacuate to safer areas.
The training ship M/V Kamilla, anchored in Manila Bay, was damaged after being struck by another vessel during the storm, leading to a fire. All 18 cadets and crew members were forced to abandon the ship, but fortunately, they were rescued by a passing tugboat.
Rescue efforts were in full swing as authorities searched for missing persons, including three fishermen who had not returned home. Thousands of families were affected by the flooding, with many evacuated as rain-swollen rivers continued to pose a threat.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent natural disasters, including typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Yagi is just one of about 20 storms that batter the archipelago each year
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