Severe Tropical Storm Crising, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon, has caused widespread flooding across the Philippines, affecting nearly 1.3 million people in more than 240 areas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday.
Central Luzon bore the brunt of the storm, with 616,611 individuals impacted, while over 400,000 people in the Ilocos, Western Visayas, and Negros Island regions have been displaced. The storm has claimed at least six lives, with two confirmed fatalities, five reported injuries, and six individuals still missing.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that from Friday through Tuesday, TS Crising, along with the Habagat, has dumped over 400 millimeters of rain—89 percent of the monthly average—based on measurements taken at the Science Garden in Quezon City. Of this, 285.8 millimeters fell in just the 24 hours leading up to 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
As of Tuesday morning, 46 roads, including 21 in the Ilocos Region, were rendered impassable due to flooding. Additionally, seven bridges—three of which are in Western Visayas—were closed.
Damage to agriculture has been reported at over P96 million but will likely rise as the Department of Agriculture deploy more people on the ground to assess actual damage.
In response to the continuing weather hazards, government work and classes have been suspended in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, with PAGASA warning of further rains that could lead to additional flooding and landslides.
