Heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Ramil swept across northern and central parts of the Philippines over the weekend, leaving seven people dead and forcing more than 22,000 residents to flee from flood- and landslide-prone areas.
Rami, known internationally as Fengshen, crossed Luzon before exiting into the South China Sea late Sunday, October 19, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The storm packed 65 kph sustained winds and gusts reaching 80 kph as it moved westward toward Vietnam.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed five deaths in Calabarzon and two in Western Visayas. Two individuals remained missing in Eastern Visayas, while one person was reported injured.
Flooding and Tragedy in Provinces
Authorities reported that one person drowned in Roxas City, Capiz, after heavy rains and high tide submerged several villages. In Pitogo, Quezon, five members of a family—including two children—were killed early Sunday when a large palm tree fell on their hut while they slept. The family had previously burned part of the tree to prevent it from collapsing during strong winds.
Government data showed that 133,196 people across four regions were affected by Ramil’s rains and flooding. Nearly 14,000 evacuees were still unable to return home as of Monday, while damage to crops and infrastructure was still being assessed.
Another Disaster for a Storm-Weary Nation
Ramil was the 18th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, compounding the struggles of communities still recovering from recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao. Those quakes killed more than 80 people and destroyed over 134,000 houses, particularly in Cebu province.
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, the Philippines faces an average of 20 storms annually. Combined with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, the country remains one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world.
