NDRRMC: Death toll from cyclones, habagat climbs to 26

RICE FIELD GONE This vast rice field at Barangay Abongay in Taytay, Palawan, was submerged in floodwaters due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and intensified by Tropical Depression Gener. — JHIE SOPRESENCIA/CONTRIBUTOR

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the combined effects of the recent tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, or habagat, climbed to 26, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday.

According to the agency’s 8 a.m. situational report, only four deaths were confirmed, while 22 others were still up for validation.

The NDRRMC also reported that 18 people were injured, while three were still missing due to habagat and cyclones Ferdie, Gener, Helen, and Igme.

A total of 1,473,487 individuals, or 393,014 families, residing in 2,071 barangays across the country were affected by the recent weather disturbances.

READ: NDRRMC: Death toll from monsoon rains, storms climbs to 25

Of the affected people, 27,471 were displaced with 14,722 inside evacuation centers, while 12,749 took shelter elsewhere.

Nine tropical cyclones passed through the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) so far this year — the last recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) was Igme, which already exited the country’s boundary last September 21.

According to the state weather bureau’s forecast, four to seven tropical cyclones may enter the PAR from October until the end of the year.

For October, two to three tropical cyclones may enter PAR, Pagasa said.