MANILA, Philippines — At least 17 people were reported to have died, and more than 112,000 families were affected across the country due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon "Inday," the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Saturday.
OCD Deputy Administrator Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said 112,500 families, or about 514,700 individuals from 404 villages (barangay), have been affected by the weather disturbance.
Of the total, around 2,900 families, equivalent to 11,200 individuals, are currently staying in 77 evacuation centers, while more than 7,000 other families have sought temporary shelter outside evacuation facilities.
Alejandro said authorities were still validating reports of 17 fatalities and nine missing persons, most of which were linked to landslides in Mindanao.
Based on the OCD's latest situation report as of 6 a.m. Saturday, the reported fatalities include 10 in Malapatan, Sarangani; five in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur; and two in Bukidnon. Four people were also reported injured due to landslides in Marinduque, Sarangani and Lanao del Sur.
The agency stressed that verification of all reported casualties remained ongoing.
The severe weather also disrupted sea travel, with operations suspended in 73 ports nationwide. More than 300 passengers were stranded, along with 176 rolling cargoes awaiting clearance to sail.
The OCD also reported damage to 153 houses, including 141 partially damaged and 12 totally destroyed.
Despite the widespread impact, the agency assured the public that sufficient assistance was available for affected communities.
Alejandro said response teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and other government agencies remained on standby to conduct rescue, relief and other emergency operations as needed.
The OCD said it has so far distributed about P16.41 million worth of assistance to affected families while continuing to coordinate with local government units and partner agencies to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
