More than 8,000 residents of Oriental Mindoro have been evacuated as flooding caused by recent heavy rains hit various areas.
The piece of good news is that the situation has improved gradually as water levels recede.
According to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the recent monsoon has affected more than 19,000 families, equivalent to over 81,000 people, across different towns and cities in the province.
On July 24, the individuals affected were relocated to safer ground due to rising floodwaters.
The situation has since improved. National roads in the province have become passable and floodwaters in several areas have started receding. Water levels in local rivers have also started to go down.
Damage to agriculture has been significant, with reports indicating it may have reached P82 million.
In response to the widespread effects of the severe weather, the towns of Pinamalayan and Baco have been placed under a state of calamity.
Efforts are ongoing to provide aid and support to those affected by the flooding.