Bagyong Kristine (STS Trami) on the Philippines
On October 22, 2023, Super Typhoon Trami (local name: Kristine) brought intense rains and widespread flooding to the Philippines, affecting over 2.6 million people across 14 regions (NDRRMC, 2023).
Education Disrupted
The storm's impact was felt across the country, with the suspension of classes declared in several affected areas (DepEd, 2023). The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reported over 179,000 people affected, with 261 families remaining in evacuation centers (BARMM, 2023).
Agricultural Damage
The municipality of Paglat reported 110 hectares of agricultural land affected (DA, 2023). Local governments requested aid, including water, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and emergency lights (DSWD, 2023).
Personal Tributes
A heart-wrenching tribute from Kristine Menulas Esplago, daughter of Roperto Palcon Esplago, who lost his life to the typhoon, reads:
"May limang daliri sa aking kamay
Si Tatay, Si nanay, si kuya, si ate
Sinong bulilit? Ako, Ako, Ako"
(I have five fingers on my hand
Dad, Mom, brother, sister
Who's the little one? Me, me, me)
Ito itinuro mong kanta sa amin, Tatay
(You taught us this song, Dad)
Siguro nag-iisip ka ng "May sampung daliri sa aking kamay
Si Shirley, si Manay Lydia, si Naldo, si Shine, si Kristine, si Darlene, si Feda, si Matty, si Ganda
Sinong bulilit? Si David, si David, si David"
(Maybe you're thinking "I have ten fingers on my hand
Shirley, Manay Lydia, Naldo, Shine, Kristine, Darlene, Feda, Matty, Ganda
Who's the little one? David, David, David")
Tay durog na durog
Ang puso ko ngayon
Wala ka na
(My heart is shattered into pieces now that you're gone)
Ano pa kaya si nanay?
Napakahirap tanggapin na
Ang lakas lakas mo pa,
Ang galing galing mong lumangoy
Pero bakit #bagyongKristine lang
Ang babawi ng Buhay mo?
Kapangalan ko pa talaga?
(How will Mom cope? It's hard to accept that despite your strength and swimming skills, your life was taken by Typhoon Kristine, which shares my name)
#FlyHighOurHero #RopertoPalconEsplago
On October 22, 2023, Super Typhoon Trami (local name: Kristine) brought intense rains and widespread flooding to the Philippines, affecting over 2.6 million people across 14 regions (NDRRMC, 2023). The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported at least 10 deaths, 2 injuries, and 9 missing persons due to related incidents (NDRRMC, 2023).
Regional Impact
In Region 5, the storm severely affected communities in Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Sorsogon, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to critical infrastructure (DPWH, 2023). A state of calamity was declared in Albay, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur (GMA News, 2023).
photo courtesy of rappler