NDRRMC: 8 dead from effects of 'habagat', 2 cyclones

MANILA – The combined effects of bad weather due to the southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina in a large part of the country has so far left eight people dead, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

In its latest situation report, the disaster response body said the figure includes seven confirmed fatalities – four in Zamboanga Peninsula and one each in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Still undergoing validation are reports of another death in the BARMM along with two injured and one missing in Region 10.

Meanwhile, some 179,744 families or 866,483 persons residing in 642 barangays in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga and the BARMM were affected by bad weather.

Around 7,738 families or 33,645 individuals are being sheltered inside 56 evacuation centers while another 114,481 families or 572,412 persons are being aided outside.

Some 236 houses were, reported damaged in eight regions.

Late on Monday, the Manila city government ordered the evacuation of 25 families living in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo district.

Princess Abante, spokesperson of Mayor Honey Lacuna, said the evacuees are currently taking shelter at the Delpan Evacuation Center," she added.

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (MDRRMO) has provided tents for the affected residents.

On the other hand, Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) provided hot meals, hygiene kits, and food boxes.

"The Mayor is continuously monitoring the situation," Abante added.

Meanwhile, two road sections in Zamboanga Peninsula have been closed to all types of vehicles due to the effects of bad weather.

In an advisory Tuesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the Zamboanga City Bypass Road, Barangay Malagutay Section, Sta. 1980+211, and Jct. Aurora – Ozamis City Road, K1632+900 – K1633+000, in Barangay Inasagan, Zamboanga del Sur have been closed to traffic due to landslide and soil collapse.

Motorists are advised to avoid these roads and take alternate routes.

The DPWH Zamboanga City District Engineering Office (DEO) and Zamboanga del Sur 1st DEO Quick Response Teams are undertaking clearing operations in these areas. (PNA)