STs Kristine causes fatal flooding in Bicol, 20+ dead

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused catastrophic flooding in parts of the Bicol Region, with over 700 millimeters of rain falling in just 24 hours on Naga City, the capital of Camarines Sur.

Naga City was among the hardest-hit areas with 30% of its land area covered by flood waters and 70% of the town's population affected, leading to power outages and evacuations; several churches in the region were also inundated.

Local authorities continue to rescue residents trapped in their homes due to high water levels; as of October 24, three deaths have been reported in the Bicol Region with one person missing and six others injured, while more than 20 people are now confirmed dead.

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed personnel to assist with evacuations using water assets from Camarines Sur, while local disaster management officials attribute the flash flood to heavy rainfall, high tide, overflowing of the Bicol River, and spilling of water from Mount Isarog.

Albay declared a state of calamity due to floods and landslides in Polangui and Malilipot towns, as PHIVOLCS warned of potential lahar flows from Mayon Volcano because of heavy rains.