Severe Tropical Storm Crising Affects Over 105,000 Filipinos
More than 105,000 people have been impacted as Severe Tropical Storm Crising swept across the Philippines. The storm triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to critical infrastructure before leaving the country’s monitoring area early Saturday morning, sources said.
As of 6 p.m. on July 19, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 39,931 families, totaling 105,313 individuals, were affected in 546 barangays. These communities span Regions I, II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XII, Caraga, Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Evacuations and Shelter Efforts
Authorities have evacuated 4,550 families (14,935 individuals) who are now staying in 236 evacuation centers. Additionally, 2,189 families (7,410 people) are receiving assistance outside these centers. Preemptive evacuations involved 850 families or 2,515 individuals, with Region VI having the largest number of evacuees.
Casualties and Damage Reports
The NDRRMC confirmed three injured individuals from Region XII and four missing persons from Region VI, though these figures remain under validation. Flooding was reported in 43 locations; 28 areas have since seen floodwaters recede, while two others are gradually drying.
Landslides triggered by heavy rains were recorded in four areas, alongside four incidents of tornadoes or strong winds, mainly affecting Regions I, VI, VII, IX, and XII.
Infrastructure and Transport Impact
Storm damage has severely disrupted transportation and infrastructure. A total of 75 road sections and seven bridges suffered damage, with 34 roads and four bridges still impassable. Regions VII, I, and VI reported the most blocked routes, though some parts of Mimaropa and Region II have seen partial or full restoration of access.
Power outages affected three cities or municipalities, but electricity has been restored in 22 areas. Communication lines, initially down in 25 locations, are now fully operational. Water supply disruption remains in one area within Mimaropa.
Storm disruptions extended to transport hubs. Thirty-six seaports were closed, with only five resuming operations by the last report. Two airports in Mimaropa halted flights temporarily. Approximately 312 passengers, 34 rolling cargoes, and 10 vessels remain stranded, mostly in Regions V and VI.
Housing and Economic Losses
Damage to homes totaled 363 units, including 52 completely destroyed houses. Region VI reported the highest number of affected dwellings. Infrastructure damage alone is estimated at 11.5 million pesos, primarily in Region I.
Relief and Recovery Efforts
Of the 4,620 families identified as needing aid, 3,865 have already received assistance valued at around 2.58 million pesos. Classes have been suspended in 853 cities and municipalities, while work stoppages affected 98 areas. Meanwhile, one municipality in Region I declared a state of calamity to expedite aid and recovery.
For more news and updates on Severe Tropical Storm Crising, visit Filipinokami.com.
