Philippines Hit by Tropical Storm, Three Confirmed Dead

(Manila, 27th) The Philippines was just devastated by the super typhoon 'Koinu' earlier this week and has now been struck by another tropical storm, resulting in at least three deaths and over 430,000 people being displaced from their homes.
According to civil defense officials in the Bicol Region of southeastern Luzon, Tropical Storm 'Bualoi' made landfall late Thursday night (September 25) and swept northwestward at a sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour. The powerful winds ripped off many rooftops, knocked down walls, uprooted large trees, toppled electric poles, and rendered many roads impassable.
Civil Defense Director Yucot said at a media briefing on Friday (the 26th) that three people had been confirmed dead in central Masbate province, while five fishermen remained missing in Samar province.
In Masbate, evacuated residents took shelter under church pews, watching helplessly as the church's roof was ripped apart by fierce winds. Local municipal engineer Martinez said, "Around 4 a.m., strong winds destroyed the church's doors, windows, and ceiling. This is one of the strongest winds I've ever encountered."

Due to the forecasted heavy rainfall, authorities had already ordered schools in the capital Manila and some provinces to close on Friday, with most government offices and services suspended, and currency trading and basic banking services on hold.
The weather bureau stated that severe flooding and landslide risks existed for Romblon, the storm's landfall location, and the nearby island of Mindoro, with rainfall possibly exceeding 200 millimeters. Authorities evacuated more than 430,000 people, most from Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa regions.
The weather bureau added that 'Bualoi' is expected to leave the country on Saturday (the 27th) afternoon, moving towards Vietnam.
The Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that nearly 300,000 households, totaling more than 1.21 million people, have been affected throughout the country by the southwest monsoon and three consecutive tropical cyclones, including 'Bualoi' and 'Koinu', with a total of 14 fatalities.