40 Areas Under State of Calamity – Philippines Storms
Philippines Reels from Devastating Storms: 12 Dead, Billions in Damages
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MANILA, Philippines – A series of powerful storms, including Crising, Dante, Emong, and Habagat, have left a trail of destruction across teh Philippines, claiming 12 lives and inflicting an estimated P4.42 billion in damages to infrastructure, agriculture, and irrigation systems. The National disaster risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 276,000 individuals have been affected by the widespread devastation.
Widespread Impact Across Regions
The most severely impacted regions include bicol Region, wich bore the brunt of the storms with 370,000 affected individuals. Negros Island Region followed with 178,781 people affected, and Calabarzon with 173,108.
Of the total affected population, a meaningful number, 147,521 people (or 40,487 families), were forced to seek refuge in evacuation centers. An additional 97,958 people (or 23,830 families) found shelter in other locations as their homes became uninhabitable.
Fatalities and Injuries
The death toll currently stands at 12, with the NDRRMC confirming only two of these fatalities. Calabarzon and Northern Mindanao each reported three deaths, while Western Visayas recorded two.Mimaropa, Davao Region, Caraga, and Metro Manila each reported one fatality.
Detailed Fatalities:
Camiguin: In Barangay Poblacion, Mambajao, a victim was tragically killed by a falling tree on July 19.Despite being rushed to a hospital,the individual was declared dead on arrival due to severe trauma.
Surigao del Norte: Another fatality occurred in Barangay Matin-ao, Mainit, where a person riding a motorcycle was struck by a collapsing tree.
Along with the fatalities, eight people remain missing, and eight others have sustained injuries.
Economic and Infrastructure Toll
The economic impact of the storms is staggering, with damages mounting to P3,770,744,291 for infrastructure, P366,377,015 for agriculture, and P281,660,000 for irrigation systems.
Housing and Property Damage
A total of 2,431 houses were damaged, with 2,008 suffering partial damage and 423 being fully destroyed.
Disruptions to Transport and Utilities
The storms caused significant disruptions to transportation and essential services, tho recovery efforts are underway.
Transportation Network
Airports: Two affected airports have resumed normal operations.
Seaports: Out of 62 affected seaports, only 35 have returned to normal operations, leaving 93 passengers, five rolling cargoes, and four vessels stranded.
Roads and Bridges: Of the 307 affected road sections, 203 are now passable. Similarly, seven out of 21 affected bridges have been reopened to motorists.
Utilities Restoration
Power: power has been restored in 113 out of 126 affected areas.
Water: Water service is now operational in three of the four affected areas.
Communications: Communications lines have been restored in 27 out of 28 affected areas.
Educational Sector Impact
The bad weather led to widespread suspensions of classes and work.
Class Suspensions and School Damage
Classes: Classes were suspended in 1,049 areas.
Work: Work schedules were suspended in 812 areas.
DepEd Report: The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that a total of 24,648 schools suspended in-person classes. Option learning modes have been implemented by several school division offices. Classroom Damage: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) recorded 1,876 classrooms with minor damage, 562 with major damage, 531 totally damaged, and 232 damaged hygiene facilities.
* Evacuation Centers: A total of 270 schools across 10 regions are currently being used as evacuation centers. These regions include Ilocos Region,Cagayan Valley,Central Luzon,Calabarzon,M