The combined onslaught of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, along with the persistent Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), has plunged 40 cities and municipalities across the Philippines into a state of calamity as of Thursday morning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported the widespread devastation, affecting nearly 2.7 million people and causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
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Cavite Province has declared a province-wide state of calamity, encompassing all 23 of its cities and municipalities. In addition, 17 other areas in various provinces and Metro Manila have also been similarly declared. These include:
Pangasinan: Mangaldan, Umingan
Bulacan: Meycauayan, Paombong, Balagtas (Bigaa), Calumpit
Pampanga: Masantol
Tarlac: Paniqui
Batangas: Agoncillo
Rizal: San Mateo, Rodriguez (Montalban), Cainta
Palawan: Roxas
Antique: Barbaza, Sebaste
Metro Manila: Malabon City, Quezon City
Nine additional areas are also under a state of calamity, bringing the total to 49 declared areas. These include:
- Metro Manila: Marikina, Manila, Las Piñas
- Pangasinan: Dagupan City, Calasiao, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Sta. Barbara
- Cebu: Cebu City
Widespread Impact and Rising Casualties
A staggering 2,733,646 people (765,869 families) have been affected by the severe weather across all regions of the country, with the exception of Eastern Visayas. Central Luzon bears the brunt of the impact, accounting for 1,545,370 affected individuals, followed by Negros Island Region (178,781) and Calabarzon (173,108).
The calamities have led to a range of destructive events, including floods, landslides, collapsed structures, and even tornadoes.
The death toll attributed to Crising, Dante, Emong, and Habagat has sadly risen to 12. Three fatalities each were reported in Calabarzon and Northern Mindanao, two in Western Visayas, and one each in Mimaropa, Davao Region, Caraga, and Metro Manila. The NDRRMC noted that only two of these deaths have been officially confirmed so far.
Among the confirmed fatalities, one victim in Mambajao, Camiguin, died on July 19 after being hit by a falling tree. Another individual in Mainit, Surigao del Norte, was tragically struck by a collapsing tree while riding a motorcycle.
Furthermore, eight people are reported missing and eight others have sustained injuries.
Extensive Damage to Infrastructure and Services
The financial toll of the disaster is substantial. Damages are estimated at P3,770,744,291 for infrastructure, P366,377,015 for agriculture, and P281,660,000 for irrigation systems.
The destructive weather has also left a trail of damaged homes, with a total of 2,431 houses affected – 423 completely destroyed and 2,008 partially damaged.
Transportation and utility services have faced significant disruptions. While two affected airports have resumed normal operations, 93 passengers, five rolling cargoes, and four vessels remain stranded as only 35 of 62 affected seaports are back in service. Similarly, only 203 of 307 affected road sections and seven of 21 affected bridges are currently passable.
Despite challenges, progress in restoring essential services has been made. Power has been reconnected in 113 of 126 affected areas, water service is operational in three of four affected areas, and communications lines are back up in 27 of 28 affected areas.
Class and Work Suspensions, School Damages
The widespread impact also led to the suspension of classes in 1,049 areas and work schedules in 812 areas. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Thursday that 24,648 schools had suspended in-person classes, with several school division offices implementing alternative learning modes to mitigate disruptions.
DepEd's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) reported significant damage to school infrastructure: 1,876 classrooms with minor damage, 562 with major damage, 531 totally damaged, and 232 damaged hygiene facilities.
Currently, 270 schools across 10 regions are serving as evacuation centers, including Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Cordillera Administrative Region, Metro Manila, and Negros Island Region. In these areas, face-to-face classes remain suspended, with some schools experiencing disruptions for up to four consecutive days.
As relief efforts continue, the NDRRMC reported that P181,461,510 worth of assistance has been provided to the victims so far.
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