MANILA, Philippines —The combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat and Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi) have affected more than 123,000 families nationwide, while the reported death toll has risen to 18, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Sunday.
The OCD said 123,000 families, or 562,000 individuals have been affected by heavy rains, flooding and landslides across affected areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The agency said reports of 18 fatalities, seven injuries and 12 missing persons are being validated.
Of the reported deaths, 10 were recorded in Malapatan, Sarangani; six in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur; and two in Bukidnon. Most of the deaths were attributed to drowning and landslides.
Meanwhile, the number of missing persons increased to 12, with seven reported in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and five in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur.
The OCD said 4,200 families, or about 16,200 individuals, are staying in 116 evacuation centers, while local government units continue to monitor displaced residents and provide relief assistance.
The agency said government assistance distributed to affected families has reached P28.57 million, consisting of food packs and other relief supplies.
The OCD said response teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and other government agencies remain deployed and on standby to conduct search, rescue, relief and clearing operations in affected communities.
Authorities urged residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant as intermittent rain from the enhanced southwest monsoon continue to threaten several parts of the country.
