At least 178 areas are under a state of calamity, with 9.1 million people across 10 regions affected by the combined effects of recent storms and prolonged monsoon rains, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Tuesday.
The latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as of 6 a.m. on Sept. 1 indicated that 2.6 million families were impacted throughout Mimaropa, the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Calabarzon (Region 4-A), Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), Western Visayas (Region 6), Bicol Region (Region 5), Central Luzon (Region 3), Cagayan Valley (Region 2), and the Ilocos Region (Region 1). Due to the extensive damage, local governments in various parts of Luzon and other hit areas declared states of calamity. These declarations allow authorities to mobilize resources and expedite relief, response, and recovery efforts.
Calamity Declarations and Regional Tolls
Pangasinan recorded the highest number of state-of-calamity declarations at 47. This was followed by Bulacan with 24, Cavite with 23, Pampanga with 21, Tarlac with 18, Benguet with 14, Zambales with 13, and Bataan with 12. States of calamity were also declared in Nasugbu in Batangas, Rodriguez in Rizal, Dagupan City, and three municipalities in Occidental Mindoro — Abra de Ilog, Paluan, and Sablayan.
In Pangasinan, the declarations covered Santa Barbara, Mangaldan, Bugallon, Mangatarem, Bayambang, Lingayen, Infanta, and a province-wide declaration covering 39 areas. The disasters have left 34 people dead, 19 injured, and three missing so far, according to the agency.
Casualties and Impact Across Regions
Benguet, located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, recorded the highest number of fatalities at 15, which included 10 in Baguio, three in Atok, and two in La Trinidad. All 15 deaths in Benguet were attributed to landslides. Additional deaths occurred in the Ilocos Region (Pangasinan and La Union), Calabarzon (Quezon, Batangas, Cavite, and Rizal), Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro), Western Visayas (Negros Occidental), and the National Capital Region (Caloocan City). The reported causes of death included drowning, landslides, rockslides, electrocution, and a fallen tree.
Reports of three missing persons came from Batangas City in Calabarzon, as well as Manila and Quezon City in the National Capital Region, with drowning cited as the cause in Manila and Quezon City. Benguet also had the most injuries at 12, primarily caused by landslides in Atok, Baguio, and La Trinidad. Other injuries were reported in Ilocos Sur, Abra, Quezon City, Rizal, and Cavite.
Did You Know? The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 6,175 villages across 10 regions were affected by the storms and monsoon rains, with flooding remaining widespread across 678 reported flooded areas.
Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Government Response
The cumulative damage included P6.27 billion in infrastructure losses and P2.32 billion in agricultural damage, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. A total of 3,700 houses were damaged, including 3,300 partially damaged structures and 458 totally destroyed homes. Authorities were also compelled to set up 1,255 evacuation centers, which housed 135,905 individuals or 39,386 families based on the most recent assessment.
The government has provided P1.79 billion worth of assistance to affected communities, the agency reported. These numbers are still being validated as government agencies and local governments continue to evaluate the needs of affected communities and the total damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been affected by the recent storms and monsoon rains?
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 9.1 million people across 10 regions have been affected.
Which province recorded the highest number of state-of-calamity declarations?
Pangasinan recorded the highest number of declarations at 47.
What is the total recorded financial damage to infrastructure and agriculture?
The cumulative damage includes P6.27 billion in infrastructure losses and P2.32 billion in agricultural damage.
How are local authorities and communities managing the ongoing recovery and relief distribution efforts in the wake of these storms?
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