MANILA, Philippines — The government has distributed nearly P1 billion in assistance to communities affected by successive typhoons and the southwest monsoon, while more than 52,000 people remain in evacuation centers, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
As of Friday, August 21, a total of 15,523 families, or 52,543 individuals, were still staying in 701 evacuation centers, OCD public information officer Diego Mariano said.
The combined effects of Typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng, along with the continuing southwest monsoon or habagat in recent weeks, have affected 6,620,335 individuals, or 1,905,622 families, across several regions.
The OCD said reported fatalities are still undergoing validation. Three people remain missing, while 19 others have been reported injured.
A total of 2,110 houses were damaged, including 1,884 partially damaged homes and 226 that were completely destroyed.
Damage to infrastructure has been estimated at P4.85 billion, while losses in the agriculture sector have exceeded P1.7 billion.
Affected communities have been reported in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, the Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region.
The government continues to conduct relief, rescue and response operations in areas affected by the recent severe weather disturbances.
