Manila [Philippines], October 24: Typhoon Tra Mi is forecast to sweep through the Philippines on October 24 and weaken, before entering the East Sea and strengthening again.
The Philippine Star reported on October 24 that Typhoon Tra Mi ( Philippine name : Kristine) made landfall in the Divilacan area in the northeastern Philippines' Isabela province and continued to move west at a slowing speed.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the storm made landfall at 00:30 on October 24 (local time). At 4:00 the same day, the storm swept into the Tumauini area of Isabala with winds of up to 95 km/h, gusting to 160 km/h.
Moving at 15 km/h, the storm is expected to continue sweeping across northern Luzon island and out of the Philippines' area of responsibility by the afternoon of October 25.
PAGASA warned of winds of 89-117 km/h in many areas over the next 18 hours. Meanwhile, sea levels could be 3 m higher than normal. Waves could reach 8 m in the coastal areas of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos and Zambales.
Notably, this agency forecasts that storm Tra Mi may strengthen again when moving into the East Sea.
The typhoon brought heavy rains and flooding to many areas before making landfall. Police Chief Erwin Rebellon of Naga City, Bicol, said at least 12 people had died and the situation was still under investigation. The local civil defense office reported two more deaths in other parts of Bicol.
A 22-year-old man died in Palanas town in Masbate after being hit by a falling tree branch, and an elderly man died in Bagamonoc town after his roof collapsed. Five fishermen were also reported missing. More than 47,500 people have fled their homes due to Typhoon Tra Mi.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper