Manila: Kong-Rey, a powerful typhoon in waters east of Luzon island, has seen “rapid intensification” on Tuesday, even as the country still reels from a recent tropical storm. killed at least 125 people.
The back-to-back storms, severe tropical storm “Trami” (local name: Kristine) and typhoon Kong-Rey (local name: “Leon”), have already caused widespread devastation across the country.
As of a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on October 29, 2024, the Trami and Kong-Rey have killed 125 people, with another 28 missing.
On Tuesday, weathermen warned that Kong-Rey has undergone a “rapid intensification” over the waters east of Cagayan province in northern Philippines, according to a 5pm Pagasa update.
Impact
The storms also injured 115 individuals and impacted a staggering 7,134,954 people, or 1.79 million families, across 17 regions in the country.
The NDRRMC report highlights the significant infrastructure damage caused by the cyclones.
Over 463 structures were damaged, with estimated losses reaching 1.54 billion pesos.
Damage
Additionally, 83,777 houses sustained damage. This includes 78,286 partially damaged houses and 5,491 completely destroyed.
The agricultural sector also suffered heavily, with losses estimated at 2.83 billion pesos.
These losses impacted 61,746.04 hectares of crops and affected 65,121 farmers and fisherfolk.
The situation remains critical, and rescue and relief efforts are ongoing. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Pagasa weather warned that as it advances, the Kong-Rey is expected to bring increased rainfall, strong winds, and potentially rough seas in affected areas.
Pagasa advises the public and local authorities to remain alert and monitor updates, especially in areas with storm warnings and those prone to flooding and landslides.
