Credits: Asia News
At least 21 people have died due to the southwest monsoon, known locally as “habagat,” which has been intensified by Typhoon Carina, the Philippine National Police reported on Thursday.
Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo noted that 15 individuals were injured and five others were reported missing as of 10 a.m.
According to an 8 a.m. report from the NDRRMC, approximately 245,000 families, or 1.1 million people, have been affected by the severe weather conditions brought by habagat, Typhoon Carina, and the recent tropical cyclone Butchoy. The agricultural sector has suffered an estimated P9.7 million in damages.
The twin cyclones and the habagat have rendered 49 roads and eight bridges impassable and caused power outages in 69 cities and towns. Additionally, at least 292 houses were damaged.
The government has prepositioned nearly P3.8 billion in aid and has distributed P776,000 worth of assistance so far.
Typhoon Butchoy exited the Philippine area last weekend. However, this week Typhoon Carina intensified the habagat, causing relentless rains that triggered floods and landslides across parts of Luzon.
Rescue teams have been deployed throughout Metro Manila to assist in evacuating residents from low-lying areas after downpours turned streets into rivers, trapping vehicles.
A state of calamity has been declared for the region, allowing for the release of funds for relief efforts. Government offices were closed, classes were suspended, over 100 domestic and international flights were canceled, and tens of thousands of customers experienced power outages due to the severe weather.
In response to the crisis, some shopping malls and churches have offered temporary shelter to those affected.
