MANILA — The death toll from successive weather disturbances — Tropical Cyclones “Crising”, “Dante”, “Emong”, and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat — has risen to 25, with nearly four million individuals affected nationwide, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Friday.
The widespread devastation prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in 84 cities and municipalities, including Sebaste, Barbaza, and Culasi in Antique.
Of the 25 reported fatalities, nine were from Metro Manila.
Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, and Northern Mindanao each recorded three deaths, while one fatality was reported in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, the Davao Region, and Caraga.
Only three deaths have been validated so far: one due to electrocution in Barangay Bayugo, Meycauayan, Bulacan; one crushed by a fallen tree in Barangay Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin; and another killed in a motorcycle accident caused by a collapsed tree in Barangay Matin-ao, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.
The NDRRMC said the weather events have affected a staggering 3,849,624 people or 1,065,779 families across all regions except Eastern Visayas. Central Luzon bore the brunt with over 2.29 million individuals affected, followed by Bicol Region (316,804) and Calabarzon (205,825).
As of Friday, 167,257 people or 47,522 families were still seeking shelter in evacuation centers, while another 111,454 individuals (27,685 families) remained displaced outside government facilities.
Flooding, landslides, collapsed structures, and tornadoes have been reported in various regions. Infrastructure damage has ballooned to P3.98 billion, agricultural losses have reached P366.9 million, and irrigation system damage totals P281.7 million. At least 2,909 homes were damaged — 486 completely destroyed and 2,423 partially.
Seaports and road networks continue to reel from the impact. Of 62 affected ports, only 35 have resumed normal operations, leaving 105 passengers, four rolling cargoes, and 20 vessels stranded. Meanwhile, 227 of the 367 damaged road sections and seven of the 24 affected bridges have been cleared.
In terms of utilities, power has been restored in 117 of 132 affected areas, while water service resumed in three of four locations. Communications have returned in just 28 of the 289 affected areas.
Despite these challenges, government assistance has so far reached ₱232.4 million, according to the NDRRMC./PN
