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The death toll from Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi increased to 11 in the Philippines on Saturday as the storm approached Vietnam, officials reported. Bualoi impacted small islands in central Philippines on Friday, knocking down trees and power lines, tearing off roofs, causing flooding, and prompting evacuations for 400,000 residents.
The smallest island of Biliran was among the hardest hit, with eight fatalities and two individuals listed as missing, according to provincial disaster management official Noel Lungay. He added, “Widespread flooding occurred, and some roads remained submerged early today. People are beginning to return home as weather conditions improve.”
Earlier reports from Manila’s civil defense agency indicated three additional deaths on the neighboring islands of Masbate and Ticao, including two individuals who were crushed by fallen trees and walls caused by strong winds. Overall, 14 people remain missing across central Philippines, with no further details provided, and over 200,000 people continue to stay in evacuation centers.
Bualoi followed Super Typhoon Ragasa, which previously caused 14 fatalities across northern Philippines. As of Saturday, Bualoi was moving across the South China Sea at typhoon strength speeds of 75 miles per hour (120 km/h), according to the Philippine weather service. It was expected to be off the coast of central Vietnam by Sunday afternoon.
The Philippines experiences roughly 20 storms and typhoons annually, affecting disaster-prone regions where millions live in poverty. Experts warn that climate change is likely increasing the intensity of these storms.
Meanwhile, public outrage in the Philippines is escalating over a corruption scandal involving fake flood-control projects believed to have cost taxpayers billions. Thousands took to the streets on Sunday to demonstrate, with peaceful protests turning chaotic as police vehicles were set ablaze and police station windows were shattered.
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