Southwest Monsoon Continues to Bring Heavy Rains to Philippines; Death Toll Reaches 43, Infrastructure and Agriculture Suffer Significant Losses

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that heavy rains are expected to persist across western Luzon and parts of the Visayas until Tuesday due to the prevailing southwest monsoon, with some areas at risk of flash floods and landslides. Weather forecaster Robert “Obet” Badrina of PAGASA stated that continuous effects of the southwest monsoon are visible in satellite images, bringing rainy weather, particularly to western Luzon and the Visayas. Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro could receive 50 to 100 millimeters of rain, potentially triggering flash floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas. Cloudy skies with intermittent heavy showers are also anticipated in Metro Manila, the rest of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa. PAGASA issued a yellow heavy rainfall warning for Zambales and Bataan on Sunday, indicating the possibility of intermittent heavy rain. Tropical Storm Pilandok, internationally known as Krovanh, was located approximately 985 kilometers northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. Although outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, it might briefly re-enter the boundary within the day, according to Badrina. Pilandok is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Monday but could further enhance the southwest monsoon. Rough seas are expected around Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, while moderate seas are forecast along Luzon's eastern and western seaboards. Small-craft operators are advised to exercise caution due to potential for stronger waves caused by thunderstorms. The southwest monsoon season typically ends in the first half of October, followed by a transition period before the northeast monsoon begins around November. Meanwhile, the death toll from previous typhoons and the southwest monsoon has risen to 43, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). Benguet recorded the highest number of fatalities with 15, followed by Rizal with six and Batangas with four. Landslides and drowning were the primary causes of death. These weather disturbances have affected approximately 10.2 million people from 2.9 million families across eight regions, including the National Capital Region. About 62,300 individuals are staying in 807 evacuation centers, and 6,900 villages have been impacted. Infrastructure damage is estimated at P7.79 billion, and agricultural losses at P4.13 billion. Approximately 4,500 houses were damaged, with 585 totally destroyed. The government has provided about P2.59 billion in assistance, and 180 local government units remain under a state of calamity. Five people are missing and 20 are injured.