Devastating Floods in Luzon: Emergency Response Efforts Underway

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Dante and the southwest monsoon has caused widespread flooding and landslides in Luzon, leaving thousands of people affected, displaced, and in need of assistance. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) reported that seven people have been killed, seven injured, and eight missing, with 401,439 families or 1,412,845 persons affected since July 17. The situation report highlights the extent of the disaster, with 2,515 barangays in 369 cities and towns in 59 provinces affected, and 508 areas experiencing severe flooding.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 1.4 million people have been affected by the floods, with 401,439 families displaced.
• 2,515 barangays in 369 cities and towns in 59 provinces have been affected, with 508 areas experiencing severe flooding.
• 1,642 houses have been damaged, with a combined cost of P2.7 million.
• The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure, including flood control facilities, roads, bridges, government buildings, health facilities, and schools, has reached P562 million.
• The estimated cost of damage to agriculture has reached P463 million, while the estimated cost of damage to livestock, poultry, and fisheries reached P3.8 million.
• 11,734 farmers and fishermen have been affected so far.
• Because of the inclement weather and flooded roads, 29 cities and towns have been declared under a state of calamity.
• 2,216 road sections, 13 bridges, airports, and 55 seaports have been affected.
• 971 cities and municipalities have declared suspension of classes, while 412 cities and towns have suspended work.
• 141,705 persons have been displaced, with 537 different evacuation centers put up by authorities.
• Manila Water has reactivated its Agapay: WASH for Emergencies program to provide clean and safe drinking water to the most affected areas.
• Meralco has deployed high-bed trucks and motorized fiberglass boats to support power restoration and rescue operations, while its social development arm has begun disaster relief efforts.

Statistics:

• 1,412,845 persons have been affected by the floods.
• 401,439 families have been displaced.
• 1,642 houses have been damaged.
• The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure is P562 million.
• The estimated cost of damage to agriculture is P463 million.
• The estimated cost of damage to livestock, poultry, and fisheries is P3.8 million.
• 11,734 farmers and fishermen have been affected so far.
• 29 cities and towns have been declared under a state of calamity.
• 2,216 road sections, 13 bridges, airports, and 55 seaports have been affected.
• 141,705 persons have been displaced.

Sources:

• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) - Situation Report, July 23
• Manila Water - Press Release
• Meralco - Press Release