Manila, August 9: Reports from government media in the Philippines indicate that over 380,000 individuals have been affected due to the intensification of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones across eight regions.
According to the Philippine News Agency, at least 110,000 families have been impacted, with the death toll currently standing at six. Additionally, seven individuals have sustained injuries. The adverse weather has resulted in damage to 148 homes, including 138 partially and 10 completely destroyed.
Official reports cited by the Xinhua News Agency reveal that two fatalities were caused by landslides due to heavy rainfall, while two others resulted from rockfalls, and the remaining two were due to drowning and electrocution.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines has activated 86 relief camps, currently housing 2,200 families, or approximately 7,300 people. Furthermore, 1,132 families, totaling around 3,700 individuals, are staying outside these relief camps.
On Sunday, the state weather bureau announced that heavy rainfall would continue across large parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued warnings for sudden flooding or landslides in areas such as Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro due to light to heavy rainfall. Some regions in Visayas and Mindanao are also expected to experience light rain and thunderstorms.
PAGASA further noted that the Dolphin storm is strengthening the southwest monsoon, leading to expectations of severe storms in the waters near northern Luzon.
Meanwhile, local media reports indicate that several shopping malls in Metro Manila have opened special waiting areas for those displaced by the heavy rains and flooding caused by the intense southwest monsoon.
These malls, operated by one of the Philippines’ largest groups, SM Group, are providing affected individuals with free Wi-Fi, restrooms, charging stations, and help desks. Free overnight parking has also been made available since Saturday night.
Those in need of temporary shelter have been advised to head to the nearest mall for safety. Local authorities have urged residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions as the rain and flooding persist.
Metro Manila, one of Asia’s largest cities, has long been vulnerable to urban flooding during the rainy season.
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