Deadly Impact of Southwest Monsoon and Cyclones
As of 6 a.m. Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 25 individuals have died due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and three tropical cyclones. This grim tally reflects the severe impact of recent weather disturbances on various parts of the country.
Among these fatalities, three deaths have been confirmed by authorities—one each from Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, and the Caraga region. The remaining 22 deaths are still under validation. These include nine deaths in the National Capital Region (NCR), three each in Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region, two in Northern Mindanao, and one each in Mimaropa and the Davao Region.
Ongoing Search for Missing Persons
In addition to the fatalities, eight individuals remain missing. Of these, three cases have been verified: two in Western Visayas and one in Central Luzon. The other five missing persons are pending confirmation, with two each in NCR and Calabarzon, and one in Western Visayas.
The NDRRMC also reported that approximately 3.84 million people, or 1.06 million families, have been affected by the heavy rains and widespread flooding caused by these weather events.
Three Cyclones and Their Effects
The casualties and disruptions coincided with the onslaught of the southwest monsoon, coupled with Severe Tropical Storm Crising (Wipha), Tropical Storm Dante (Francisco), and Typhoon Emong (Co-May). Although Crising did not make landfall, it influenced weather conditions until it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on July 19 morning. Similarly, Dante left the PAR on Thursday afternoon without making landfall.
Typhoon Emong, however, made landfall near Agno, Pangasinan late Thursday night. As of 8 a.m. Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) tracked Emong near San Isidro, Abra. The typhoon carried winds reaching 100 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 165 kph, and was moving north-northeastward at 25 kph.
Local leaders noted the challenges these storms brought to affected communities, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for those impacted.
For more news and updates on the deadly impact of southwest monsoon and cyclones, visit Filipinokami.com.
