TACLOBAN CITY – At least eight people were confirmed dead and approximately 866,483 individuals, or 179,744 families, were affected across the Philippines after three weather disturbances hit the country starting Tuesday, July 23.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the combined forces of Super Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), Tropical Depression Butchoy, and the southwest monsoon brought torrential rains, resulting in massive flooding in 642 villages across Mindanao and Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region (NCR).
On Thursday, July 24, residents in Manila woke up to knee-to-wrist-deep floods as the weather bureau raised the red warning level due to intense rainfall enhanced by the two cyclones.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered all concerned government agencies to provide swift assistance to those affected by Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. He emphasized the need for prompt and effective support to assess the current situation and ensure all necessary aid is provided.
In a statement, the government announced it had already distributed assistance totaling P43.15 million to the affected population in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, numbering more than 770,000.
On his official X account (formerly Twitter) on July 23, President Marcos stated that there is still P2.88 billion worth of prepositioned aid and nearly 4,500 personnel on standby for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.
Malacañang Palace also suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools and work in government offices in the NCR.
The adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of at least 53 flights on the afternoon of July 24, as announced by the Manila International Airport Authority.
In Metro Manila, floods blocked major roads, leaving commuters stranded. Many shared photos of their ordeal on social media while wading through the floodwaters, as public utility vehicles were scarce on July 24.
The extensive flooding prompted the Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department to advise motorists to use alternate routes. They also urged nearly three million residents to “stay at home for your safety if there are no important matters to attend to and avoid inconvenience.”
Local officials reminded flood evacuees to bring their pets to evacuation centers.
(RONALD O. REYES)
