Bicol Region Experiences Worst Flood in Decades—Here’s How We Can Help

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) has caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and severe flooding across the Bicol region, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and become trapped in their homes.

The intense rain has led to deep flooding, submerging villages, destroying homes, and burying vehicles and other properties in volcanic sediment due to Kristine’s heavy downpour.

Photo: Coast Guard District Bicol

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 – Bicol reported that the severe tropical storm affected 320,193 families or approximately 1,591,101 individuals.

Meanwhile, 2,983 individuals are stranded throughout the Bicol region.

Photo: DSWD Field Office 5 – Bicol/Facebook

Cedric Daep, former chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, told The Manila Times that this is the worst flooding they have ever experienced in decades.

“We experienced the worst flooding in the history of Albay because more than 500 millimeters of rainfall occurred in just 24 hours,” Daep stated.

He added: “This is the highest rainfall in the history of Albay since 1969 or 55 years ago.”

Naga City Mayor Son Legacion has been monitoring evacuation centers and flooding around the city, urging residents to stay safe while waiting for rescue efforts.

“Rest assured that we are doing everything possible under the circumstances. And your request will be acted upon as soon as the next rescue team completes its task,” Mayor Son said.

The mayor also urged residents not to leave their pets behind: “Please do not abandon your pets or leave them tied up outside during typhoons and floods. They rely on us for safety and care. If possible, free them and take them somewhere safe, away from danger. Let’s protect our pets too!”

As of 12:30 a.m. on October 24, Kristine made landfall in Divilacan, Isabela, and began moving over the Cordillera Administrative Region in the early morning.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) 10 a.m. bulletin, another low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility has a “high chance” of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

With thousands of Filipinos affected by Kristine, several fundraising initiatives have been launched to help those severely impacted by the calamity.

Here are some donation drives initiated by different organizations where you can contribute or share across your social media platforms:

Angat Buhay

 

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Bloom Philippines

#ProjectBINIyanihan Activated

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 📢

We are now accepting donations for our kababayan in Bicol affected by Typhoon #KristinePH.

Donations will be accepted until October 26. For in-kind donations, please send us a direct message or contact… pic.twitter.com/P7QWfKx0tR

— BLOOM PHILIPPINES (@TEAMBLOOMPH) October 23, 2024

Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership

 

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Philippine Red Cross

Photo: Philippine Red Cross

Photo: Philippine Red Cross

The Bicol Universitarian

 

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ALSO READ: Gerald Anderson Helps Rescue a Family Stranded by Flood During Super Typhoon Carina