Tropical Storm Kristine: Unusual Devastation in Batangas with Signal No. 2 and Red Rainfall Alerts10/26/2024
Tropical Storm Kristine (known internationally as Trami) recently brought significant rainfall and flooding to areas like Batangas, which was especially unusual given that Batangas typically sees less typhoon impact compared to other parts of the Philippines. Kristine developed into a severe tropical storm over the Philippine Sea and moved west-northwest toward Luzon, triggering Signal No. 2 warnings across parts of Luzon, including CALABARZON, which encompasses Batangas. This storm system brought sustained winds of up to 75 km/h and gusts reaching 90 km/h, generating intense rainfall and localized flooding in various regions, including Batangas. What’s even more shocking is that the province is located far from the storm's eye!
In Rosario, heavy flooding severely impacted Barangay Quilib, particularly in front of the Ecoverde subdivision. The main road leading into Rosario became impassable due to high water levels, causing significant traffic disruptions. In one tragic incident, a car was swept away by floodwaters and fell into a nearby creek, resulting in the death of a father and daughter, while another occupant survived. This incident underscores the severity of Tropical Storm Kristine’s impact on the area. Emergency teams remain on high alert, and residents are advised to avoid flood-prone routes to prioritize safety during ongoing storm recovery efforts.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a red rainfall warning for areas in Batangas, warning residents of high potential for severe flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall. The province, more accustomed to coastal rains than heavy typhoons, experienced intensified rainfall over the course of Kristine's passage, leading to higher-than-expected water levels and impacting low-lying areas and riverbanks. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) coordinated with local governments to ensure that residents in high-risk areas were promptly informed and that shelters were prepared.
As a precaution, residents were advised to secure property, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid travel through flood-prone areas. Maritime activities in affected regions were suspended due to hazardous sea conditions, affecting travel along the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon. Kristine’s intensity and resulting impacts underscore the importance of regional preparedness even in areas like Batangas, which typically experience fewer direct typhoon impacts.
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