32 reported dead due to Habagat, cyclones; 8M people affected —OCD

The combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng have reportedly killed at least 32 people, with 8 million people being affected across the country, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Saturday.

In its latest situation report, the OCD said that the deaths were reported in the following areas:

• Benguet - 15 due to landslides
• La Union - 1 due to drowning
• Rizal - 4 due to rockslide, fallen tree, drowning
• Batangas - 4 due to drowning, electrocution, landslide)
• Quezon - 1 due to drowning
• Oriental Mindoro - 1
• Occidental Mindoro - 2
• Rizal - 2 due to electrocution and drowning
• Negros Occidental - 1 due to drowning
• Caloocan - 2 due to drowning

Meanwhile, the OCD recorded 19 injuries. Three people are still missing - one each in Quezon City, Manila, and Batangas.

There are at least 8 million people affected by the inclement weather, which translates to 2.3 million families. At least 25,800 of them are still in evacuation centers.

The cost of damage to infrastructure has reached P6.11 billion, with agricultural damage recorded at P2.32 billion. Almost 3,000 houses were damaged, with 349 of them being totally destroyed.

The OCD said that 117 local government units have declared a state of calamity.

The government has released P1.65 billion in assistance.

The Southwest Monsoon has again gained strength following the presence of a low pressure area in the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with its rains causing widespread flooding. —KG, GMA News