Death toll from storms, monsoon rains hits 23 – NDRRMC

A rice field at Barangay Abongay in Taytay, Palawan, is submerged in floodwaters on Tuesday due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and intensified by Tropical Depression “Gener.” (JHIE SOPRESENCIA/CONTRIBUTOR)

MANILA, Philippines — The  number of reported deaths due to rains triggered by three previous tropical cyclones has climbed to 23, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its situational report on Thursday.

Three more fatalities — two in Zamboanga Peninsula and one in Central Visayas — were added to NDRRMC’s Wednesday’s death toll of 20. 

Fifteen persons remain missing while 13 others were reported injured, the NDRRMC added.

None of the casualties were validated by the agency so far.

The NDRRMC also reported an estimated P2.4 million worth of damage to infrastructure,  while a total of 1,243 houses were either partially or totally damaged, with damage pegged at P3.69 million.

Tropical Storm Ferdie (international name: Bebinca), Tropical Depression Gener and Tropical Storm Helen (international name: Pulasan) since last week strengthened the southwest monsoon or “habagat” in several parts of the country.