'Crising,' habagat death toll rises to 7; 29 areas under state of calamity

Metro Manila, Philippines - Severe Tropical Storm Crising, which has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” have left seven people dead and another seven injured in its wake.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s report on Wednesday, July 23, three deaths were from Northern Mindanao and one each were reported in Metro Manila, Mimaropa, Davao Region, and Caraga.

Those hurt were from Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Eight others remain missing.

State of calamity

Meanwhile, 29 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity due to the impacts of the weather disturbances. This means major damages and disruption in the people’s normal way of life.

These are:

+ Malabon

+ Quezon City

+ Cavite (All 23 cities and municipalities)

+ Umingan, Pangasinan

+ Roxas, Palawan

+ Sebaste, Antique

+ Barbaza, Antique

With the declaration, local governments may tap their emergency funds to assist affected individuals. A 60-day price freeze on basic necessities will also be automatically implemented.

A total of 401,439 families, which equate to 1.4 million individuals, have been affected by “Crising” and the southwest monsoon nationwide. Of the figure, 21,207 households sought safer grounds in evacuation centers.

Agriculture damage and losses reached about P133 million while infrastructure damage was estimated at P562 million.

The Philippines continue to experience rains triggered by the southwest monsoon, which could be enhanced by Tropical Depression Dante, and a low pressure area.