NDRRMC: Deaths from recent weather disturbances rise to 40

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

FILE: THIGH-HIGH WATERS. Two residents wade through thigh-high floods in Palmera Homes in Novaliches, Quezon City on Wednesday (July 24, 2024). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Butchoy and Carina have claimed 40 lives, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

In its situation update, the disaster response agency said the figure includes 14 validated deaths — five in Calabarzon, four in Zamboanga Peninsula, two in Central Luzon, and one each in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

Reports of another 26 fatalities are still undergoing verification — 15 in the National Capital Region, nine in Calabarzon, and one each in Ilocos region and the BARMM.

Meanwhile, the number of affected families across the country was placed at 1,480,323 which is equivalent to 5,456,390 individuals residing in 4,594 barangays.

As of this time, 10,234 families equivalent to 46,940 persons are being served in 279 evacuation centers while 115,775 families or 547,886 individuals are being aided outside.

A total of 2,504 houses were reported damaged in 15 regions as of this posting.

Infrastructure and agricultural damage were estimated at PHP4.99 billion and PHP1.06 billion, respectively.

Intensified relief ops

Meanwhile, the Tingog Party-list has expanded its relief operations to 13 barangays in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The group, led by Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, has provided immediate assistance to 2,000 families severely affected by flooding due to Typhoon Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon.

The relief operations covered the barangays of Lagro, North Fairview, Kaligayahan, Pasong Putik, Sta. Monica, Nova Proper, San Agustin, Nagkaisang Nayon, Capri, Bagbag, San Bartolome, Sta. Lucia, and Fairview.

This was done in coordination with 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, and with the support of the Philippine JayCees, Inc. (JCI) Novaliches, to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable communities efficiently and effectively.

“We are dedicated to focusing our efforts into sending these relief goods and assistance to our kababayans (countrymen), especially in the most affected areas,” Yedda Romualdez said.

The distributed relief goods include essential items such as food packs, bottled water, hygiene kits, and other necessities to provide immediate relief to the affected families.

She commended all volunteers “for dedicating their time and effort to sorting and preparing these relief packs.”

“The volunteers’ tireless work and dedication have been instrumental in the success of these operations, showcasing the spirit of bayanihan that is vital in such challenging times,” she added.

Tingog Party-list will continue its humanitarian initiatives, working in close coordination with the Office of the Speaker and other government and private entities to amplify assistance to the victims. (with a report from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)