Death toll from Carina, monsoon rises to 28

MANILA, Philippines —  The death toll following the southwest monsoon, Super Typhoon and tropical depression Butchoy has risen to 28, the state disaster agency said yesterday.

In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed the death of 10 people and said it continues to validate the death of 18 others.

The NDRRMC said 3,628,500 people in over 3,000 barangays were affected by the three weather disturbances.

It added that most of the affected residents are from Central Luzon (2,134,938), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (552,971), Soccsksargen (260,767) and Ilocos region (242,648).
The NDRRMC initially estimated the damage to agriculture to be at P218 million, affecting 12,456 farmers and fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday said there is a low possibility that the low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine area of responsibility would develop into a typhoon.

PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the LPA and the southwest monsoon will bring rains in different areas of the country.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, the LPA was located 780 kilometers north northeast of Catarman town in Northern Samar or 635 km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

“The LPA will bring rains in the eastern portion of Luzon and Visayas while the southwest monsoon or habagat prevails in the western part of Luzon and will bring rains in Northern and Central Luzon,” Castañeda said.