MANILA, PHILIPPINES — More than 248,000 people across nine regions have been affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) intensified by Typhoon Inday, according to the latest report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Thousands of families continue to experience the effects of heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds.
Based on the latest report from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), a total of 248,676 individuals, or 57,316 families, have been affected in 161 barangays across Regions III, IV, V, the Negros Island Region, Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has issued a Maritime Safety Advisory due to rough sea conditions brought about by the bad weather.
A total of 789 passengers and drivers have been stranded, along with nine vessels, 33 motorized bancas, 249 rolling cargoes, and 13 other vessels affected by the advisory.
In addition, 158 vessels and 145 motorized bancas have taken temporary shelter as Typhoon Inday continues to affect sea conditions.
On the other hand, 1,912 families, or 6,424 individuals, are currently staying in 44 evacuation centers, while 22 families are temporarily taking shelter outside evacuation centers.
According to DROMIC’s latest damage assessment, six houses were totally destroyed, while another six houses sustained partial damage due to the typhoon.
The DSWD has so far provided ₱93,081 worth of humanitarian assistance to affected communities and has ₱4.99 billion worth of relief resources on standby to support ongoing disaster response operations.
The agency remains on high alert as Typhoon Inday continues to pose threats to affected areas. The DSWD also urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and seek assistance from the nearest government agency whenever necessary. — Ericka Trinidad, Contributor