Twenty-three individuals have been confirmed dead and 15 remain missing following the effects of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Ferdie, Gener, and Helen, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday.
In its 8 a.m. report, the NDRRMC revealed that nine of the fatalities were from Mimaropa, with four each from Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while two were reported in Central Visayas. Of the 15 missing persons, 12 were reported in Mimaropa, two in Zamboanga Peninsula, and one in Western Visayas.
Additionally, 15 people have been injured due to the severe weather conditions brought by the Habagat and the three tropical cyclones. The NDRRMC emphasized that the casualty figures are still under validation.
The inclement weather has impacted 1,061,421 individuals, or 298,633 families, across several regions, including Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, BARMM, and Cordillera Administrative Region.
Central Luzon saw the highest number of affected residents, with 354,926 individuals or 113,141 families reported. Of the total affected population, 69,360 people, or 18,466 families were housed in evacuation centers, while 61,123 people or 14,165 families sought refuge in other locations.
In terms of property damage, 1,243 homes were damaged, with 1,008 partially affected and 235 destroyed. The NDRRMC also reported infrastructure damage amounting to P2.4 million. Power outages and communication issues were noted in various affected areas.
Travel disruptions continued as one domestic flight and 40 sea trips were suspended, leaving 1,541 passengers stranded alongside 46 rolling cargoes, 18 vessels, and two motorbancas at seaports.
Classes were suspended in 606 areas, and work was halted in 108 areas due to the impact of the Habagat and the tropical cyclones. Meanwhile, assistance worth P17.4 million has been provided to affected individuals.
Tropical Cyclone Ferdie entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on September 13 and exited a day later. Gener developed into a tropical cyclone from a low-pressure area on Monday and left PAR on Wednesday. Helen, the latest of the cyclones, entered PAR on Tuesday and exited the following day.