Over 9.6 Million Affected by Habagat, 4 Cyclones, Says NDRRMC

Over 9.6 million people have been affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Pilandok, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In its Situational Report No. 37 issued at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the NDRRMC said a total of 9,614,020 people, or 2,781,245 families, were affected in 10 regions, 39 provinces, 468 cities and municipalities, and 6,551 barangays. Of the affected population, 162,057 people were displaced and were staying in 820 evacuation centers. The report also said 7,478 people were pre-emptively evacuated, including 2,472 individuals from Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA. The disasters have left 44 people dead, 18 injured, and five missing, the council said. Of the reported deaths, 12 have been confirmed while 32 remain for validation. Twelve injuries have been confirmed, while six are still being validated. All five missing persons have been confirmed as missing, the NDRRMC said. The combined effects of the weather disturbances also resulted in 1,830 flooded areas across Regions 1, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 6, and 9, as well as the National Capital Region. The NDRRMC also recorded 79 other related incidents, including rain-induced landslides, collapsed structures, and tornadoes or destructive and strong winds. A total of 4,361 houses were damaged, including 3,758 partially damaged and 603 totally damaged houses. Meanwhile, infrastructure damage was estimated at P8.30 billion, involving 1,383 facilities, including flood-control structures, government facilities, bridges, schools, roads, and health facilities. The agricultural sector also sustained an estimated P4.12 billion in damage, affecting 92,953 farmers and fisherfolk and 80,274.44 hectares of crops, according to the report.