Severe Tropical Storm Trami, known as Kristine, made landfall in the province of Isabela in northern Luzon in the Philippines on 24 October 2024.
The Salvation Army Philippines has since been working to provide food to those impacted by the damaging storm, which continued to cause flooding in Region II, flash floods in Region IV and a massive landslide burying several houses in Talisay, Batangas. More than 6.7 million people have been affected across 17 out of 18 regions in the country. Around 980,000 individuals have been displaced, of which 561,000 are in one of the 6,286 evacuation centres, and 418,000 are staying elsewhere temporarily (Relief Web, 2024).
The Salvation Army Legazpi Corps was severely affected in southern Luzon. Corps officer Lieutenant Aristotle Casumpang reports on how some regions in the Philippines experienced 'the calamitous effects of Typhoon Kristine. The storm caused widespread devastation across the Bicol region, central Luzon and northern Luzon. Its destruction has been significant in Bicol region, impacting 119,257 families, including members of our local church community in Legazpi, Albay.’
Food distribution to 790 people
Captain James Casidsid, Territorial Emergency Service Coordinator, continues: ‘Despite their situation, the church took the initiative to aid their community and still managed to mobilise the local church members and source funds from the local church and donations to give out hot meals.’
With assistance from the barangay local government unit, The Salvation Army successfully distributed meals to 790 individuals, including 310 children, at three evacuation sites in Barangay San Roque, Legazpi, Albay.
The Salvation Army asks for prayers for the millions affected in the northern Philippines and the local community members, pledging to provide unwavering support beyond their circumstances.