Kristine’s Fury: At least 10 dead in storm’s wake

October 24, 2024 | 4:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has left at least 10 people dead in its wake as it continued its westward movement across Luzon and the northern portions of the country on Thursday, October 24.

Data from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) show that among those who perished were victims of landslides and reported drowning.

Kristine is currently barreling across Northern Luzon, triggering rain and floods across the regions. In its latest report, Pagasa said that Kristine is within the vicinity of Ifugao. 

“Our running total is 10, this is the latest,” OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas said when asked about Kristine’s death toll. 

The OCD said that the deaths were recorded in the following areas:

• Aringay, La Union 
• San Andres, Quezon 
• Albay 
• Naga City 
• Bagamanoc, Catanduanes 
• Caramoan, Catanduanes
• Palanas, Masbate 

At least four deaths were recorded in Caramoan due to landslides, while the remaining mentioned areas only had one fatality each so far. 

• The deaths in Aringay and San Andres were reportedly due to drowning
• In Bagamanoc, a victim fell off a roof.
• The victim in Palanes died after being hit by a tree branch. 

All of these deaths are still under validation, meaning that they are waiting for complete documentation. 

The OCD also tallied two injuries.

• A victim in Labo, Camarines Norte was in a vehicular accident
• Another one from Southern Leyte was injured by a fallen coconut tree. 

There were 10 people reported missing.

• Most of those reported missing were people who went fishing.
• Three fisherfolk believed to go missing in Daanbantayan in Cebu were already found alive.  

In the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s situation report, 2,077,643 across the ountry have been affected by Kristine’s rampage. Around 163,184 are still inside evacuation centers. 

Posadas said that authorities are struggling to reach several locations, particularly in Bicol. The high floods have hindered rescue efforts to those who may be affected. However, he said that reinforcements from other OCD units from less affected areas are on the way to assist.