Southwest monsoon 'habagat' affects over 600,000 people in Philippines

Residents brave the strong flood current that submerged the road in Barangay Rizal, Palompon, Leyte, on Thursday, July 18, 2024 following a heavy downpour caused by a low pressure area. - Photo: SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN OF BARANGAY RIZAL, LEYTE

MANILA: The number of individuals affected by the southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat,’ has reached over 600,000, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday (July 21).

In its latest report, the NDRRMC said 636,110 individuals or 131,388 families residing in 521 barangays nationwide were impacted by habagat.