THE number of confirmed deaths caused by rain-induced landslides and floods in Luzon has reached 23, with three other persons reported missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday.
Latest data on the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and the southwest monsoon as of 6 a.m. on Sunday revealed that 15 of those killed were from Benguet province, including 10 from Baguio City, which was also severely affected by flash floods. Two of the fatalities are from La Trinidad, and three from Atok-all because of landslides.
The other fatalities are one each from Luna, La Union, and Candelaria, Quezon, due to drowning; and three each in Rizal and Batangas due to various reasons.
NDRRMC said 17 persons were injured while 3 others are still the subject of search and rescue operations.
The number of affected families also increased to 1.4 million, or close to 5 million people, with reports from various local DRRMCs continuing to come in.
The government continues to provide shelter to affected families, with the number now growing to 9,101, or 31,456 persons.
According to the NDRRMC, they are currently being provided care in a total of 407 evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said flooding, flash floods, and landslides damaged a total of 1,845 houses, with damage to public and private infrastructure now reaching P3.36 billion and damage to agriculture estimated at P690 million.
The government continues to assist the affected families, with estimated cost of assistance now reaching slightly over P654 million.
While weather generally improved in many areas, monsoon rain is expected to affect several Luzon provinces in the next foue to five days.
These include Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas and Antique, in the Visayas.
In its weather advisory issued at 11 a.m. on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said localized flooding is possible in highly urbanized areas, low-lying areas, or areas that are near rivers. Landslide, according to the weather bureau, continue to threaten areas experiencing rains, especially those that are considered highly susceptible to landslides.