MANILA, Philippines – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced on Thursday that teams and equipment from the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been dispatched to support relief and rescue operations in the Bicol Region amid severe flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

During a press briefing at the palace, OCD spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas reported that, while the region has adequate resources, severe flooding continues in areas such as Naga and several municipalities in Camarines Sur.

“Taas ng baha. These are in Naga and several municipalities in Camarines Sur such as Presentacion, Bula, and the other towns nearby,” Posadas said.

Posadas confirmed that reinforcements from both the Southern Luzon Command and Eastern Visayas are on their way to assist in rescue efforts.

Aid has already been mobilized to towns in Albay province, with Posadas expressing optimism that the Armed Forces’ assets will effectively address the situation as weather conditions improve. He also noted that 17 air assets are on standby in Pasay City and Cebu, ready for deployment.

As of Thursday morning, the OCD reported 10 fatalities, two injuries, and nine missing persons due to the storm. Response clusters have been activated to ensure continuous relief efforts for affected communities.

“Clusters in response are activated. Kristine is still within the Philippine area of responsibility, and so there is no let-up; we continue to monitor and collaborate with the different agencies of the council,” Posadas added.

“I asked our regional director for Region II, and I was informed that the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) of Divilacan town, where Severe Tropical Storm Kristine made landfall just past midnight, reported that mas malakas pa daw kahapon yung ulan at hangin kaysa dun sa actual landfall,” Posadas noted.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that 29 road sections are closed to traffic due to landslides, flooding, and other storm-related issues, primarily in Bicol and surrounding regions. However, all national roads and bridges in other affected areas remain passable for vehicles.

📷 Civil Defense PH