NDRRMC: Death toll due to Habagat, Ferdie, Gener, Helen now 24

The reported death toll due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and Tropical Cyclones Ferdie, Gener, and Helen increased to 24, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Friday.

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

Twelve people were missing in Mimaropa and two in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Meanwhile, thirteen individuals were also hurt due to the impact of Habagat and the three tropical cyclones, according to the NDRRMC.

These reports on casualties are still being validated, the NDRRMC noted.

A state of calamity was also declared in San Enrique, Negros Occidental and Pandan, Antique, according to the NDRRMC.

Habagat and the three cyclones caused floods, maritime incidents, drowning, fallen trees, collapse of structures, and big waves.

The inclement weather affected 1,303,677 people or 356,578 families in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM), and Cordillera.

Most of the affected people were reported in Western Visayas with 445,137.

Of the affected population, 40,551 people or 10,310 families were staying inside evacuation centers, while 54,140 individuals or 12,258 families were taking shelter in other places.

Damage to infrastructure worth P22,571,500 was reported. A total of 2,154 houses were also damaged, with 1,822 partially and 332 totally destroyed.

Power supply and communication services, as well as flight and sea trips, were affected.

Classes in 619 areas and work schedules in 133 areas were suspended in light of the threat of the inclement weather.

Assistance worth P39,807,083 has been provided to the victims, 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. — VDV, GMA Integrated News