Senator Imee Marcos has criticized the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for what she described as insufficient warnings about Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), which has resulted in at least 146 deaths, 91 injuries, and 19 people still missing.
Marcos expressed frustration that many fatalities could have been prevented if local government units (LGUs) had received clearer, earlier advisories from PAGASA about the storm’s severity. “Kung sana nasabihan nang maayos ng PAGASA ang LGU na gano’n kalakas ang ulan, sana’y nakalikas ng maaga at ‘di namatay ang napakarami,” she stated, emphasizing the need for timely communication from the weather bureau to enable better preparedness and timely evacuations.
The senator also questioned why, despite increased funding for PAGASA in 2025, warning systems still seem to fall short during typhoons. “May sapat na pondo naman tayo… Anong nangyari? Nagtaas pa ang badyet nila sa 2025, aba’y dapat hindi na mauulit ang ganitong sitwasyon,” she said, calling for improvements in disaster response.
PAGASA had initially reported the storm as a low-pressure area on October 20, indicating potential rainfall over Luzon. By October 21, it upgraded Kristine to a tropical depression as it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and warned it might intensify into a typhoon. At its peak, Kristine had prompted Storm Signal No. 3 in 16 areas, bringing maximum winds of 95 kph and gusts up to 115 kph. However, after exiting PAR, PAGASA noted it could re-enter from the West Philippine Sea, though this scenario did not materialize.
In response to the devastation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Senator Imee’s brother, has declared November 4, 2024, a Day of National Mourning for those affected by Kristine.