Tropical Storm Ewiniar, locally known as Aghon, has caused significant devastation across the Philippines, leading to at least seven confirmed deaths and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents from vulnerable areas. The storm struck over the weekend, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, particularly affecting provinces south of the capital, Manila.
Philippine authorities have reported a range of tragic incidents linked to the storm. A 14-year-old girl in Misamis Oriental died when a tree fell onto the vehicle she was boarding. In Quezon province, six people were killed, including individuals who drowned and others who suffered fatal injuries from falling debris.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the public that search and rescue operations are ongoing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to aiding affected communities. The storm has severely disrupted transportation, affecting the operations of three airports and nine seaports, which has left many people stranded.
Authorities estimate that around 27,000 individuals have been impacted by the storm, highlighting the widespread disruption to daily life in the region.
Ewiniar is the first tropical storm to hit the Philippines in 2024, a country that typically faces an average of 20 such storms each year. These storms often result in severe flooding, landslides, and other climate-related disasters.
