Storm Trami forces Vietnam to close airports, Philippines death toll hits 130

Villagers cross a river next to a damaged bridge in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Trami in the town of Laurel, Batangas province, Philippines, Oct. 27 2024. EPA-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - Viet Nam shuttered four major airports and halted maritime traffic as tropical storm Trami made landfall in the central region on Monday, with forecasts predicting up to 700mm of rainfall in Quang Binh and Quang Nam provinces.

The Civil Aviation Authority closed airports in popular tourist destinations including Da Nang International Airport, Phu Bai, Dong Hoi, and Chu Lai, while authorities evacuated residents from low-lying areas and suspended tourism activities.

The storm's approach comes after it left approximately 130 people dead or missing in the Philippines, where rescue operations continue in isolated areas affected by landslides.

Both Southeast Asian nations are still recovering from Super Typhoon Yagi, which claimed over 360 lives across the region last month, including 323 in Vietnam and more than 40 in the Philippines.

AJP