A Surge in Families Affected
In a startling update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on Monday that the combined impact of the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Goring and Hanna has cast a grim shadow over the lives of 140,101 families residing across eight regions in the Philippines.
Tragic Losses and Ongoing Validation
Disturbingly, the NDRRMC has confirmed one death in Western Visayas, while it diligently investigates reports of another fatality in the Cordillera region, along with a missing person case in Western Visayas.
This surge in the number of affected families represents a substantial increase from the 106,677 reported just days ago on September 1, according to the latest disaster bulletin released by the agency.
Widespread Impact Across the Philippines
The astonishing total of 140,101 families, which includes approximately 514,153 individuals, spreads out across 1,756 barangays in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the National Capital Region.
Shelter and Aid Efforts Underway
Among these affected families, 915 families (equivalent to 3,251 individuals) have found refuge in 52 evacuation centers, while an additional 2,410 families (totaling 10,052 persons) are receiving assistance outside these facilities.
Notably, the Office of Civil Defense highlights that some families have been displaced, while others continue to reside in their homes, unaffected by the calamity.
With regards to property damage, the NDRRMC has recorded 1,349 damaged houses spanning seven regions, underscoring the extensive toll on residential structures.
Economic Toll and Rehabilitation Efforts
In the agricultural sector, experts estimate damages of PHP584.7 million across Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the CAR.
At the same time, authorities report a staggering PHP130,251,200 in infrastructure damage in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, demanding substantial rehabilitation efforts in these affected regions.
The aftermath of the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Goring and Hanna is a sobering reminder of the relentless challenges posed by natural disasters in the Philippines.
As the nation confronts the impact of this catastrophic event, it becomes imperative to prioritize efforts in providing shelter, aid, and support to affected families. Meanwhile, authorities are actively initiating plans for recovery and rebuilding to reinstate normalcy in the affected regions.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
