Monsoon and Cyclones Leave Eight Dead, Thousands Displaced in the Philippines

MANILA — Eight fatalities have been reported due to severe weather conditions brought on by the southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat,’ intensified by tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The agency confirmed the casualties on Tuesday as they continue to assess the extensive damage across several regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, seven of the deaths were confirmed across different regions including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Additional reports are still under validation, including another potential fatality in the BARMM, along with two injuries and one person missing in Region 10.

The monsoon and cyclones have significantly impacted the lives of many, with approximately 179,744 families or 866,483 individuals affected across Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and the BARMM. Among those affected, around 7,738 families or 33,645 individuals are currently housed in 56 evacuation centers. Meanwhile, another 114,481 families or 572,412 persons are receiving assistance outside of these centers.

Housing has also been severely impacted, with reports of 236 houses damaged across eight regions. In Manila alone, adverse weather conditions forced the evacuation of 360 families from two districts, according to a report by city social welfare department chief Re Fugoso to Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Flooding has also been a major issue, with gutter-deep floods reported in various parts of the city including along M. Adriatico, Padre Faura St. to Intersection 2, Quirino Station S. E2 (Vito Cruz L.), and several other key locations.

In terms of infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that two road sections in the Zamboanga Peninsula are closed to all types of vehicles due to the effects of the bad weather. The closures are due to a landslide and soil collapse on the Zamboanga City Bypass Road and the Jct. Aurora – Ozamis City Road, prompting ongoing clearing operations by the DPWH Zamboanga City District Engineering Office and Zamboanga del Sur 1st DEO Quick Response Teams.

Motorists have been advised to avoid these roads and seek alternate routes as the authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the severe weather conditions.