1 Dead, 127,000 Affected by Heavy Rains in Various Parts of Philippines

One fatality has been reported in Davao City due to the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as "Habagat," and Typhoon Kiyapo, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Davao Region. The victim was reportedly swept away with his motorcycle in Barangay Talandang, third district of Davao City. OCD Region 11 Director Ednar Dayanghirang stated that heavy rains caused by the Habagat led to the evacuation of residents in three barangays within Davao City. As of reporting, no missing or injured individuals have been recorded, though over 300 families were affected. A red alarm was hoisted over the Matina River due to rising waters, prompting preemptive evacuations of nearby communities. The river returned to a green code status by early Saturday morning. National roads were no longer flooded as of around 11 a.m., the regional director said. Nationwide, as of the evening of July 24, a total of 30 flooded areas were reported across Regions IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), XI (Davao Region), XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). At least 27,000 families, equivalent to approximately 127,000 individuals, have been affected. Some 1,999 individuals are currently housed in 55 evacuation centers. Government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and OCD, have pre-positioned relief supplies and standby funds, ensuring no shortages are anticipated. Search, rescue, and retrieval operations have been conducted for residents trapped on rooftops, with response teams remaining on standby. Damage to houses has also been reported, with 115 houses affected, 88 of which were completely destroyed. Reports on infrastructure or agricultural damage are still being compiled. Communication lines remain operational, facilitating contact between central and regional offices, and regional offices with their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices. Following weeks of rain, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo advised the public to remain alert and heed advisories from local authorities, especially those residing in landslide- and flood-prone areas. Source: GMA News Philippines