Southwest Monsoon, Cyclones Claim 43 Lives; Economic Damages Mount

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Pilandok has reached 43, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday. In its latest report, the NDRRMC said most of the deaths were recorded in Benguet due to landslides. Other fatalities were logged in La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Pampanga, Rizal, Batangas, Quezon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, and Caloocan. READ: Storm may reenter PAR Sunday; rain expected in parts of Luzon, Visayas The agency also said that 20 individuals were injured in Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Abra, Quezon City, Rizal, and Cavite due to landslides, fallen trees, strong currents, and vehicular accidents. Five individuals were also reported missing in Quezon City, Manila, Batangas, Rizal, and Pampanga. The weather disturbances affected 10.2 million individuals, or 2.9 million families, in the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. The agency added that 62,300 individuals, or 18,100 families, are seeking temporary shelter in 807 evacuation centers. READ: OCD says habagat death toll reaches 33 The agency estimated the total cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture at P7,790,000 and P4,130,000,000, respectively. It said a total of P2.59 billion worth of assistance was provided to affected families. It also said that a state of calamity has been declared in 180 areas in Pangasinan, Benguet, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. /mcm