More than 130,000 people across the Visayas and nearby regions were affected by Tropical Depression “Wilma,” with thousands still taking shelter in evacuation sites as of Monday, December 8, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.
In its latest update, the agency said over 57,000 families—or around 132,000 individuals—were affected in MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, the Visayas, and CARAGA.
Although “Wilma” remained a tropical depression and only raised Signal No. 1 in several areas, the northeast monsoon and a shear line intensified rains and winds throughout the weekend.
Nearly 14,000 people were staying in evacuation centers, while more than 8,000 sought refuge outside government facilities, the NDRRMC said. Almost 12,000 passengers were also stranded in various seaports at the height of the weather disturbance.
“Wilma” weakened into a low-pressure area on Sunday morning.