23 reported dead, 15 missing due to Habagat, Ferdie, Gener, Helen —NDRRMC

Twenty-three people were reported dead and 15 others were missing due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Ferdie, Gener, and Helen, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

In its 8 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said nine deaths were reported in Mimaropa, four each in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and two in Central Visayas.

Meanwhile, 12 of the missing persons were reported in Mimaropa, two in Zamboanga Peninsula, and one in Western Visayas.

Fifteen people were also reported hurt due to the impact of Habagat and the three tropical cyclones, according to the NDRRMC.

The NDRRMC noted that the reported casualties are still being validated.

The inclement weather affected a total of 1,061,421 people or 298,633 families in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Cordillera.

Most of the affected people were reported in Central Luzon with 354,926 people or 113,141 families.

Of the total affected population, the NDRRMC said 69,360 families or 18,466 families were staying inside evacuation centers while 61,123 persons or 14,165 families were taking shelter in other places.

A total of 1,243 houses were damaged — 1,008 partially and 235 totally. Damage to infrastructure worth P2,401,500 was also reported. 

Power outages and communication line problems were encountered in some affected areas.

One domestic flight and 40 sea trips remained suspended. In some affected seaports, 1,541 passengers, 46 rolling cargos, 18 vessels, and two motorbancas were stranded.

Classes in 606 areas and work schedules in 108 areas were suspended due to the threat of Habagat and the tropical cyclones.

Assistance worth P17,437,776 has been provided to the victims so far, according to the NDRRMC.

Ferdie entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on September 13 and exited the following day. Gener on Monday developed into a tropical cyclone from a low pressure area and exited PAR on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Helen entered PAR on Tuesday and exited on Wednesday. —KBK, GMA Integrated News