MANILA – The death toll from the combined impact of tropical cyclones Ferdie, Gener, and Helen, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat,” has risen to 23, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday (19 Sept 2024).
In its latest situation update, the NDRRMC confirmed that nine of the fatalities were from Mimaropa, four each in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while two were from Central Visayas.
Authorities also reported 15 people missing, with 12 from Mimaropa, two from Zamboanga Peninsula, and one from Western Visayas.
Thirteen people sustained injuries due to the weather disturbances, with seven in BARMM, three in Mimaropa, two in Soccsksargen, and one in Zamboanga Peninsula. All casualty reports are still undergoing validation, according to the NDRRMC.
The series of cyclones and monsoon rains has so far affected 298,633 families, equivalent to 1,061,421 individuals, across 1,441 barangays in 13 regions. Of those affected, 18,466 families or 63,360 individuals are currently housed in 634 evacuation centers, while another 14,165 families or 61,123 individuals are receiving aid outside these centers.
The Office of Civil Defense earlier noted that the affected families include those displaced from their homes and those who remain in their residences but still require assistance.
The NDRRMC also reported that 1,243 houses were damaged across 10 regions. (PNA)
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