Habagat, Crising affect 1.9M Filipinos – OCD

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Wednesday that at least 1.9 million individuals across the country have been affected by Tropical Storm Crising, the southwest monsoon or habagat, and a low-pressure area (LPA).

The OCD officer in charge, Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, said in a press briefing that 533,213 families have been affected by the weather systems.

He added that 732 evacuation centers are currently housing around 25,000 families, while approximately 21,000 families are taking shelter outside of government-run facilities.

Citing data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Alejandro said seven deaths, seven injuries, and eight missing persons have been reported in the affected areas.

However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a higher death toll, reporting 12 fatalities as of Wednesday.

Alejandro clarified that all casualty reports are subject to the NDRRMC’s validation process.

“We have a process for that. These figures from our report this morning — seven dead, seven injured, eight missing — will surely be adjusted,” Alejandro explained. “Reports from the field will come in, and we will adjust accordingly once we receive the formal documentation."

He also noted that local disaster councils submit validated reports, which are then consolidated by the national council.

“In our system, we have regional DRRMCs. Reports have to go through them before they reach the national level. The PNP is aware of this, and once their reports are cleared at the regional level, they will be reflected in our national tally,” Alejandro explained.

He added that during a meeting with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and local officials, more potential casualties were raised but are still being verified.

READ: INQToday: LPA develops into Tropical Depression Emong; Dante now a tropical storm

The LPA west of the Babuyan Islands has developed into Tropical Depression Emong, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced on Wednesday.

Pagasa also reported that Tropical Depression Dante (international name: Francisco) has intensified into a tropical storm.

Dante and Emong continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, which has been the main source of rain over the past several days./mcm

(2025/07/23-13:34)

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