The combined impact of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and three consecutive tropical cyclones has resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday.
The NDRRMC's 8 a.m. report also indicated 15 people missing and 23 injured due to the severe weather systems.
The storms have significantly impacted nearly 300,000 families (around 1 million individuals), forcing approximately 18,000 families (almost 70,000 people) to seek refuge in evacuation centers.
The habagat, enhanced by Typhoons Ferdine, Gener, and Helen, caused damage to approximately 1,200 houses. The NDRRMC estimated the cost of infrastructure damage at around P2.4 million.
Schools in over 600 cities and towns were forced to suspend classes due to the inclement weather.
The government has provided assistance worth around P17.4 million to affected communities.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that the habagat will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains in some areas on Thursday.
The Philippines, situated in the typhoon belt, experiences an average of 20 major storms and typhoons annually, often resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.
