Monsoon, Ferdie, Gener leave 20 dead, 14 missing

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty people were killed while 14 others remain missing due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Ferdie and Gener, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said yesterday.

Nine fatalities were reported in Mimaropa, four each in Western Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), two in Zamboanga Peninsula and one in Central Visayas.

The Office of Civil Defense and NDRRMC said the figures were still being validated.

The NDRRMC previously logged 10 deaths due to Ferdie and the southwest monsoon.

Of the 14 missing people, 12 were recorded in Mimaropa and one each in Regions 6 and 9.

Eleven injured persons were reported in the BARMM, Mimaropa and Soccsksargen.

Around 156,524 families residing in 1,178 barangays in 12 regions were affected by the tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon.

Most of the affected people were in Western Visayas, with 256,593 people or 73,512 families.

Damaged houses number 930, with 789 partially damaged and 141 totally damaged.

Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P2.401 million.

Ferdie left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Sept. 14.

Gener, Helen

Tropical Depression Gener exited PAR yesterday at 2 a.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Tropical Storm Helen (international name Pulasan) entered PAR on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Helen exited PAR yesterday at 5 p.m.

Both cyclones are expected to continue enhancing the southwest monsoon.

“The center of Tropical Storm Helen was very far from the landmass. This means that it has no direct effect on any part of the country and we don’t expect hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signals,” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said at a briefing.

“The southwest monsoon will continue to affect many areas in the country. Filipinos should expect sudden intense rains, especially in the western part of the country,” he added.

Gener was heading toward Vietnam. Helen is on its way to China.

No low-pressure area is expected to enter PAR in the next three days, PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said.

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast today in Occidental Mindoro, Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan.

As of yesterday noon, 928 people were stranded at seaports in Eastern Visayas and Southern Tagalog due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

State of calamity

In Negros Occidental, the provincial government is considering declaring a state of calamity as almost 150,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and floods.

As of yesterday noon, about 43,312 families comprised of 149,962 people in 229 barangays in 25 cities and municipalities were affected.

Around 8,342 families, or 33,978 people, are staying at evacuation centers.

Three fatalities were reported: two minors who drowned in Bacolod and Sipalay and a 67-year-old man in Hinobaan.

Damage to agriculture in the province has reached P35.991 million, as of yesterday.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said local government units are being provided with assistance.

The municipality of San Enrique has declared a state of calamity, while La Carlota City and Hinigaran are set to declare the same.

La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalandoon and Hinigaran Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo said they are still waiting for the approval of the state of calamity declaration. — Bella Cariaso, Evelyn Macairan, Gilbert Bayoran