Eight people have been reported dead following the devastation caused by tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday. The council confirmed that seven deaths have been validated, while one death is still under verification.
The fatalities were spread across different regions. The Zamboanga Peninsula recorded four deaths, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reported two, and Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region each reported one death. In addition to the fatalities, two people were injured, and one person was reported missing in Northern Mindanao.
The tropical cyclones have affected a staggering 866,483 families across the country. The NDRRMC has assessed the damage to agriculture at approximately PHP 8.7 million, while infrastructure damage is estimated at PHP 700,000. The extent of the damage underscores the severe impact of these natural disasters on both the livelihood of the people and the country’s economy.
As of Tuesday, Tropical Cyclone Carina has slightly intensified. Consequently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over Batanes, signaling that winds of 61 to 120 kilometers per hour could be expected within the next 24 hours. Additionally, nine other areas are currently under TCWS No. 1, indicating winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour or intermittent rains may occur within the same period.
In contrast, Tropical Cyclone Butchoy has already exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Sunday. However, its aftermath continues to be felt in various regions, highlighting the prolonged impact of such weather disturbances even after they have left the country’s territory.
The NDRRMC is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to assist the affected families. Relief operations are underway, focusing on providing food, water, and other essential supplies to those in need. The council has also emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and has urged the public to stay informed about weather updates and to heed warnings and advisories from authorities.
The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the Philippines’ vulnerability to tropical cyclones and the critical need for robust disaster risk reduction and management strategies. The government, along with various agencies, continues to work towards enhancing resilience and mitigating the impact of such natural calamities on the Filipino people.