Over 380,000 residents affected by severe weather in Philippines
Manila: The enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones have affected more than 380,000 residents across eight regions in the Philippines, according to Philippine official media reports on Sunday.
According to the Philippine News Agency, at least 110,000 families were affected, and the death toll remained at six, with seven injured persons recorded. The weather disturbances also damaged 148 houses, including 138 partially and 10 totally destroyed.
Two of the fatalities were caused by a landslide triggered by heavy rain, two by a rockslide, and the remaining two by drowning and electrocution, respectively, according to the official reports, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines said 86 evacuation centres have been activated, sheltering 2,200 families or 7,300 people. Another 1,132 families, or 3,700 persons, are staying outside evacuation centres.
On Sunday, the state weather bureau said that the southwest monsoon will continue to bring heavy rains over large parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of possible flash floods or landslides in areas experiencing moderate to intense rains, including Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro. Scattered rains and thunderstorms are also expected across the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
PAGASA also reported that Typhoon Dolphin is strengthening the southwest monsoon, with rough to very rough seas expected off extreme Northern Luzon.
Meanwhile, multiple shopping malls in Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines, opened designated waiting areas for residents displaced by heavy rains and flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon, according to local media reports on Sunday.
The participating malls, operated by the SM Group, one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, are providing free Wi-Fi, restrooms, charging stations and help desks to affected residents. Free overnight parking is also available at these malls on Saturday night.
Residents in need of temporary shelter were advised to proceed to the nearest participating mall for their safety. The local government urged residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions as rains and flooding continue.
Metro Manila, one of the biggest metropolises in Asia, has long been plagued by urban flooding during the annual rainy season, with residents in low-lying areas the most vulnerable to the recurring deluges.
