OCD checks 2 more deaths in Metro Manila due to enhanced monsoon rains

Rescuers paddle their boats along a flooded street in Manila on July 24, 2024, amid heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi. Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on July 24, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / Agence France-Presse)

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is verifying two more reported fatalities in Metro Manila after enduring heavy downpours from the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon.

Speaking at a Palace briefing on Thursday, OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the reported deaths could potentially raise the initial tally from 13 to 15.

“As of 10 p.m. last night, the report on the casualties is still 13 but this morning, though we have to validate, there are two more reported casualties from Metro Manila. So this will be potentially a total of 15,” he said.

Earlier reports by OCD showed that 13 people were confirmed to have died due to the weather disturbances.

“And the affected population for the seven regions is 910,536 persons but we will have to add what will be reported later on by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority because these seven regions exclude the Metro Manila report,” he added.

READ: Typhoon Gaemi weakens as it leaves Taiwan for China

OCD data presented during the briefing likewise showed that two people were injured due to the typhoon locally named Carina (international name: Gaemi) and boosted southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat.

Meanwhile, below is the list of areas currently placed under a state of calamity due to Carina and the southwest monsoon:

• One region: Metro Manila
• Two provinces: Cavite, Batangas
• Three municipalities: Kabacan and Pikit Cotabato; Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
• One barangay: Butuan, Jose Abad Santos Davao Occidental

Carina is the country’s third tropical cyclone in 2024. Carina left the Philippine area of responsibility at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, after bringing incessant rains in most parts of the country, including Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.