Southwest monsoon, LPA claim 7 lives

MANILA, Philippines — Intense rains caused by the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area (LPA) have claimed the lives of at least seven persons in various parts of the country over the past several days, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The casualties include four landslide victims in Pamucutan, Zamboanga City, two drowning victims in Maramag, Bukidnon and one casualty from flooding in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, all recorded on July 12.

As of yesterday, the NDRRMC is validating reports of two injuries and one missing person, all in the area of Northern Mindanao.

Combined effects of the southwest monsoon and the LPA have so far affected 117,676 families or a total of 572,997 persons from various provinces in the western sections of Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Of the number, the NDRRMC said 5,395 families or 22,253 individuals were served inside 53 different evacuation centers in various locations.

Estimated damage to agriculture in the Zamboanga peninsula and Northern Mindanao has reached more than P17.8 million, affecting 263 fishermen and farmers.

Meanwhile, NDRRMC estimated the damage to infrastructure in Northern Mindanao, the Ilocos region and Central Mindanao at around P700,000.

More than P15.7 million worth of assistance, including food and other basic needs, have been provided to displaced and most affected families and individuals so far. 

Two LPAs

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring two low-pressure areas inside the Philippine area of responsibility that could develop into tropical cyclones.

The first LPA was monitored 365 kilometers west of Ambulong, Tanauan City, Batangas, while the other LPA was estimated at 865 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

The two are far away from the Philippine landmass and are currently not affecting the country.

However, the first LPA has a high possibility of developing into a tropical cyclone. It will be named Butchoy once it forms into a tropical depression.

The second cyclone to the east also has a high possibility of developing into a cyclone while it is still far away from the landmass.

The southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains over a wide portion of the country.

Scattered rains are forecast over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

The monsoon will also bring isolated rains over the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao, while localized thunderstorms will bring isolated rains over the rest of Luzon.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains. — Romina Cabrera