The combined devastation brought by Typhoons #NikaPH, #OfelPH, and #PepitoPH has claimed 12 lives and disrupted the lives of millions across Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
The typhoons swept through the country between November 9 and 18, leaving a trail of destruction. A total of 3,507,920 people, representing 939,936 families, were affected. Among these, 300,953 individuals sought refuge in 2,331 evacuation centers, while another 128,899 received aid outside these facilities.
Fatalities were highest in the Cagayan Valley region, which recorded seven deaths, followed by three in Central Luzon and two in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Additionally, 16 people sustained injuries, and four remain missing. The NDRRMC noted that these figures are still under validation.
State of Calamity Declared
A state of calamity was declared in 29 cities and municipalities, including nine in Cagayan Valley, eight in Central Luzon, and 12 in CAR. This declaration enables local governments to access emergency funds and fast-track relief and recovery efforts.
Housing suffered significant damage, with 51,921 homes affected, most notably in the Bicol Region, which accounted for 37,435 damaged houses. Infrastructure losses reached an estimated ₱2.03 billion, with the Ilocos Region incurring the highest losses at ₱753.65 million.
Transportation infrastructure was also severely impacted, with 103 road sections and 50 bridges rendered impassable. Many areas remain without basic utilities; 59 cities and municipalities are still without electricity, while five areas have no water supply.
Relief Efforts and Gaps
Despite government-led relief operations amounting to ₱226.7 million, assistance has reached only 13% of affected families — 65,764 out of 504,441 in need.
NDRRMC spokesperson Edgar Posadas emphasized the urgency of distributing aid more efficiently, especially to the hardest-hit regions. “The coordination between local governments and national agencies is crucial to address the gaps in relief efforts,” Posadas said.
Recovery operations are ongoing, with the government urging the public to remain vigilant as the country continues to experience erratic weather conditions. The NDRRMC has advised affected residents to monitor updates and cooperate with authorities in rebuilding efforts.
The triple onslaught of #NikaPH, #OfelPH, and #PepitoPH underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events linked to climate change, prompting calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.