A weather disaster has struck the Philippines, as Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) left at least seven people dead and two missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The fatalities include five members of one family, including two children, who perished when a burnt palm tree fell on their house early Sunday in Pitogo town, Quezon province. In separate areas, other provinces reported casualties and missing persons linked to the storm’s flooding and strong winds.

Storm Ramil affected some 37,852 families, or roughly 133,196 persons, in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 6 (Western Visayas) and 8 (Eastern Visayas). Moreover, more than 22,000 individuals were reported evacuated to safer locations as flood- and landslide-prone communities were put at risk, according to disaster-monitoring sources.

Authorities have dispatched search and rescue teams and directed police with road-clearing operations to ensure access to relief-affected areas. “Road networks are essential in the distribution of assistance to the affected residents,” noted an acting police chief. The storm exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility Monday morning, easing the immediate threat but leaving damage and displacement in its wake.

Local governments earlier announced class suspensions in impacted areas for Monday, 20 October, as precautionary measures following the storm’s impact. Officials continue to validate data on fatalities, missing persons and damage to houses. The NDRRMC report classified 68 houses in Region 6 as damaged, 57 partially and 11 totally. 

The Philippines, which averages around 20 tropical cyclones annually, is frequently exposed to storms compounded by climate-driven intensification. Ramil arrives as many regions were still recovering from recent seismic events and other weather-related disruptions.