Tropical Storm Crising Impacts Millions Across the Philippines
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that Tropical Storm Crising, along with the southwest monsoon or habagat, and a low-pressure area, has affected at least 1.9 million Filipinos nationwide. These weather disturbances have brought heavy rains and flooding, severely impacting many communities.
Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, the officer in charge of the OCD, shared in a press briefing that approximately 533,213 families have been directly affected by these weather systems. The ongoing crisis has forced thousands to seek refuge in evacuation centers and other safe locations.
Evacuations and Casualties Amid Ongoing Storms
Currently, about 25,000 families are sheltered in 732 evacuation centers spread across affected regions. Meanwhile, around 21,000 families have found shelter outside of government-run facilities. The scale of displacement underscores the severity of the situation.
Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) indicate seven deaths, seven injuries, and eight missing persons so far. However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reports a higher death toll of 12. Alejandro clarified that casualty figures are still being validated and may change as more reports come in.
“We have a process for that. These figures from our report this morning — seven dead, seven injured, eight missing — will surely be adjusted,” Alejandro explained. “Reports from the field will come in, and we will adjust accordingly once we receive the formal documentation.”
Local disaster councils submit verified reports, which are then consolidated at the national level. Alejandro emphasized the importance of this validation process in ensuring accurate casualty data.
Coordination With Local Authorities
Alejandro also mentioned a recent meeting with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and local officials, where potential additional casualties were discussed. These reports are still under verification.
New Developments: Tropical Depression Emong and Dante
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the low-pressure area west of the Babuyan Islands has intensified into Tropical Depression Emong. At the same time, Tropical Depression Dante, internationally known as Francisco, has also strengthened into a tropical storm.
Both Emong and Dante continue to intensify the southwest monsoon, which has been the primary source of heavy rains across the country over the past several days. This combination of weather disturbances is expected to prolong the rainy conditions in many areas.
For more news and updates on Tropical Storm Crising, visit Filipinokami.com.
