THIS YEAR’S southwest monsoon (locally referred to as Habagat) seemed far more atrocious as it battered the entire Luzon leaving at least 12 persons dead, with eight still missing.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), 11 others were injured as heavy rains continued to pound parts of the country.
OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said the casualties are from the Cordillera and Calabarzon regions.
Eight missing persons were reported in CAR, the Ilocos Region and Batangas, while 11 people reportedly sustained injuries due to the inclement weather.
Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region were among the areas with the highest numbers of affected residents based on initial reports. Other affected areas included Mimaropa, Calabarzon and CAR.
Response agencies remain on standby as rains continue to affect parts of the country. Search-and-rescue and retrieval teams have been deployed, along with personnel conducting debris-clearing operations.
The OCD also has logistics and air assets on standby, including those from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Navy. Resources from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and emergency telecommunications teams are also ready for deployment.
Food and non-food items are likewise on standby for distribution depending on the needs of local government units, the OCD said.
OCD also reported that alternative routes had already been established to reach areas that could not be accessed the previous day.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) said the Southwest Monsoon will continue to bring rains over Luzon and the western section of Visayas.
Classes were suspended in Metro Manila and 15 provinces amid the heavy rain and flooding due to Habagat and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay. Sea navigations have also been temporarily restricted.
