Philippines races to limit storm damage as Trami keeps strength

The Philippines is ramping up efforts to contain the devastation caused by severe tropical storm Trami, which has killed 25 people, affected millions and shut government offices for a third straight day on Friday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is working urgently to carry out relief and evacuation efforts, as the storm barreled across the main Luzon island where widespread flooding had submerged towns and cut power in some provinces. “We have directed all government agencies to reinforce the bulwark which we have built against this raging tempest,” Marcos said in a statement late Thursday. The storm has damaged 209 hectares of crops, the national disaster management agency said its latest report. Local airlines canceled more than 60 domestic flights on Friday, while the coast guard said over 10,000 passengers and 96 vessels remained stranded in various ports.<br/>