Philippine storm death toll climbs to 20, agriculture losses exceed ₱135 million

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 12, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

At least 20 people have died from the combined effects of Tropical Storm Luis, Tropical Storm Maymay and the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, according to the latest report from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The OCD report also recorded 15 people injured and four others still missing as search efforts continue.

Roughly 815,000 families, or about 2.8 million individuals, have been affected by the successive weather disturbances, the OCD said.

Separately, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that damage to the farm sector from the habagat has climbed to more than ₱135 million.

Heavy rains destroyed rice and corn crops, vegetables, and affected livestock and poultry, the DA said in its assessment.

More than 6,000 farmers have had their livelihoods disrupted by the weather systems, according to the department.

The DA is advising affected farmers to apply for the Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program, which offers assistance worth about ₱25,000 per qualified borrower.

Farmers are also being encouraged to avail of farm input assistance, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, to help them resume production.