At least 14 people were killed in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Yagi brought devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption as it headed towards mainland China. Tropical storm Yagi, also known as Enteng, caused devastating landslides, floods, and overflowing rivers throughout the country’s north and centre. It intensified seasonal monsoon rains and unleashed downpours across Luzon, including the highly populated capital district of metropolitan Manila, where public and private schools and government activities were suspended on Tuesday.

A landslide in Antipolo City, east of Metro Manila, buried shanties and killed three individuals, including a pregnant woman. Another four persons drowned in neighbouring creeks and rivers, according to Enrilito Bernardo Jr., a local disaster mitigation officer. Four more villagers are still missing after their house was swept away in the deluge.

Yagi, which had continuous winds of up to 75 kph (47 mph) and gusts up to 125 kph (78 mph), passed over Paoay in Ilocos Norte province before entering the South China Sea.

The storm is predicted to intensify into a typhoon as it moves northwest into southern China, making landfall on Hainan island on September 7.

Schools and government offices in Manila and surrounding areas are shut for the second day. Thousands of passengers were stuck as 34 domestic flights were cancelled due to bad weather, while marine transit was briefly halted in numerous ports.

In a separate incident, a training ship anchored in Manila Bay was struck by another vessel that had lost control due to heavy waves. The accident destroyed the bridge and started a fire, causing 18 cadets and crewmembers to escape the ship. A passing tugboat rescued everyone safely, and one person swam to safety.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration issued a warning that heavy rains will persist in other portions of Luzon due to the intensified southwest monsoon.

Tropical storm Yagi arrived just days after torrential monsoon rains swamped sections of Manila and less than a month after Typhoon Gaemi. Gaemi did not land in the Philippines but interacted with the southwest monsoon, causing strong gusts and severe rains. At least 48 individuals were killed, and approximately 6.5 million were affected by the harsh conditions.

The Philippines experiences approximately 20 typhoons and storms every year. The archipelago’s location in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” makes it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with frequent volcano eruptions, earthquakes, and cyclones.

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