OCD: Over 800,000 affected by Super Typhoon Carina, Habagat

Over 800,000 persons have been affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat. 

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Wednesday that 882,861 individuals or 183,464 families from 686 barangays nationwide are dealing with the effects of the tropical cyclone and the heavy rains. 

Some 8,230 families or 35,388 individuals are currently seeking refuge in at least 90 evacuation centers. 

However, many chose to stay with their relatives or friends amid the stormy weather conditions. 

“Mas malaki po yung numero nung mga kababayan natin na pinili po maki-sulong muna sa mga kanilang mga relatives at sa kanilang mga kaibigan. Pero yun pong mga pangangailangan nila ay mino-monitor din po namin,” said OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas in an interview with “Saksi.” 

(There are more who choose to seek shelter with their relatives or friends. But we will still monitor their needs.) 

Further, OCD said that it is closely monitoring Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. 

The Metro Manila as well as  Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro; Kabacan, Cotabato; Pikit, Cotabato; Butuan, Davao de Occidental, and several others have also declared a state of calamity.

Carina is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, but heavy rains are still expected until Friday. 

According to the state weather bureau PAGASA, the Carina-enhanced Habagat generated 207 millimeters of rain over six hours as the super typhoon approached Taiwan.

—NB, GMA Integrated News