Persistent flooding measuring at least one foot deep continues to submerge 574 locations nationwide following weeks of heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and successive tropical cyclones, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Saturday.
According to the agency, the combined effects of the habagat alongside Cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng have affected over 7.4 million individuals—or 2.1 million families—spanning 10 regions across Luzon and the Visayas.
Central Luzon remains the most heavily impacted, accounting for 446 inundated sites due to saturated soil and overflowing rivers, followed by Mimaropa with 42 areas and the Ilocos Region with 35.
To alleviate the situation, government bodies have released over ₱1.1 billion in relief aid. OCD Information Officer Diego Mariano noted that local government units, the OCD, and partner agencies spearheaded the distribution efforts, stating:
“For the assistance distributed to the affected communities, we have already reached more than ₱1 billion worth of assistance distributed by the government.”
Addressing long-term issues in provinces facing prolonged inundation like Pampanga, Mariano added:
“Various agencies continue to coordinate to determine what solutions can be undertaken for the flooding that continues. This is being led by their local government units and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to identify other solutions to the flooding.”
Currently, 549 emergency shelters remain open, housing roughly 40,600 displaced residents. Casualties stand at 29 dead, 19 injured, and three missing, while combined damage to agriculture and infrastructure has climbed to ₱6.6 billion. A total of 89 municipalities and cities—including the entire provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cavite—have officially declared a state of calamity.
“The delivery of assistance or aid to our affected countrymen continues,” Mariano assured.