MANILA: (Bernama-Xinhua) At least 30 Filipinos are now known to have died in the southwest monsoon enhanced by three tropical cyclones that triggered flash floods and landslides in the Philippines since last week, Xinhua reported, quoting a Philippine government agency on Saturday (July 26).
In a report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that seven others are missing, either swept away by flash floods or buried in landslides.
It added that the massive flooding and landslides also resulted in 10 injuries.
The agency reported that it validated 13 of the 30 fatalities.
The NDRRMC reported that over 1.46 million families, or approximately 5.30 million people, were affected nationwide.
The Office of Civil Defence reported that 88 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity to expedite emergency response efforts and facilitate access to necessary resources.
Typhoon Wipha, Francisco, and Co-May have exited the Philippines, but the state weather bureau warned Saturday that the southwest monsoon is expected to dump more rain in the coming days in parts of Luzon Island.
An average of 20 typhoons lash the Philippines yearly. - Bernama-Xinhua
