Status: 10/14/2021 11:00 a.m.
The death toll has risen after heavy rains in the Philippines. More people are missing. The tropical storm “Kompasu” flooded villages and triggered landslides.
The number of deaths in the tropical storm “Kompasu” in the Philippines continues to rise: According to the authorities, at least 19 people were killed in landslides and flash floods. The dpa news agency reports 30 deaths with reference to national civil protection. At least 13 other people would be missing. The provinces of Ilocos Sur and Benguet on the main island of Luzon were particularly hard hit. Most of the victims were reportedly buried or drowned in landslides.
Almost 15,000 people had to leave their homes
“Kompasu”, called “Maring” in the Philippines, had moved over the north of the Southeast Asian island state with heavy rain and strong winds since last weekend. According to the authorities, more than 14,900 people had to leave their homes. Major highways and bridges have been flooded, according to government officials. Agriculture was also badly hit. The tropical storm left the Philippines on Wednesday and continued towards China and Vietnam, weakened.
“Effects of Climate Change”
Mark Timbal of the Philippines Civil Protection Agency said the rainfall was heavier than during Typhoon “Ketsana,” which killed hundreds in 2009. That only proves the effects of climate change when it comes to the increasing magnitude of these natural hazards, Timbal said. “We have to continuously intensify our preparations with regard to the worst-case scenarios for all natural hazards.”
The Philippines is hit by an average of around 20 typhoons each year. In November 2020, the tropical storm “Vamco” killed almost 70 people. The worst typhoon “Haiyan” to date had killed more than 6,300 people in November 2013. More than four million people had to flee.