Tropical storm Trami leaves 46 dead in Philippines

Tropical storm Trami has moved away from the northwestern Philippines, leaving at least 46 people dead and causing widespread flooding that has affected over 2.6 million people. The storm, which has sustained winds of up to 95 kilometers per hour, has forced nearly 320,000 people to evacuate to safer ground.

Philippine weather authorities have raised an unusual concern that Trami could potentially make a U-turn next week due to high-pressure winds in the South China Sea. During an emergency meeting, President Ferdinand Marcos expressed concern about this possibility and an additional brewing storm in the Pacific Ocean.

The storm has caused particularly severe damage in the Bicol region and Batangas province, with some areas receiving one to two months' worth of rainfall in just 24 hours. In Naga city, where 11 people drowned, officials desperately called for additional rescue boats to reach people trapped on rooftops. Near Mayon volcano in Albay province, mudflows engulfed houses and vehicles.

The government has implemented widespread closures of schools and offices on the main island of Luzon, while inter-island ferry services have been suspended. The storm is currently moving northwest toward Vietnam, which is preparing for potential impact.

Vietnam, still recovering from last month's Typhoon Yagi that killed 323 people and caused $3.3 billion in damages, has ordered coastal provinces to remain vigilant. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed authorities to closely monitor Trami's progression and prepare for contingencies.

The Philippines, which typically experiences about 20 storms and typhoons annually, continues to be vulnerable to severe tropical weather events, with the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan standing as one of the most devastating, having left more than 7,300 people dead or missing.