Metro Manila, Philippines – Over 130,000 people across the Visayas and nearby regions were affected after Tropical Depression Wilma hit the country, with thousands remaining in temporary shelters on Monday, Dec. 8, the national disaster response agency said.
In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said over 47,000 families or around 132,000 locals were affected in Mimaropa, Bicol region, the entire Visayas, and Caraga region.
“Wilma” remained a tropical depression and only prompted Signal No. 1 in affected areas, but the northeast monsoon, or amihan, and a shear line contributed in bringing heavy rains and strong winds to different parts of the country during the weekend.
As of Monday, the NDRRMC said nearly 14,000 people were in evacuation centers while more than 8,000 residents sought shelter outside government centers.
Almost 12,000 passengers were stranded in sea ports during the onslaught of “Wilma,” the NDRRMC said.
“Wilma” dissipated to a low pressure area on Sunday morning.
