RUINS. A resident checks his car in the aftermath of the devastation brought by bad weather along West Riverside St., Del Monte, Quezon City on July 26, 2024. The NDRRMC on Tuesday (July 30) said the death toll from the effects of heavy monsoon rains induced by Typhoon Carina last week has climbed to 39. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The death toll from the effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and Typhoons Butchoy and Carina that battered most of the country has climbed to 39, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.
In its latest situation report, the disaster response agency said 14 deaths have been confirmed -- five in Calabarzon, four in Zamboanga Peninsula, two in Central Luzon and one each in Northern Mindanao, Davao region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Meanwhile, still undergoing validation are reports of another 25 fatalities -- 15 in the National Capital Region (NCR), eight in Calabarzon and one each in Ilocos region and the BARMM.
The NDRRMC also reported that damage to infrastructure rose to PHP4.26 billion.
Meanwhile, the agricultural damage in nine regions also climbed to PHP545.21 million.
Some 1.32 million families or 4.84 million individuals from 4,227 barangays have so far been affected by bad weather.
The NDRRMC said 2,005 houses were damaged -- 1,779 of which were "partially" damaged while 226 were "totally" damaged.
A total of 118 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity, including NCR's 16 cities and the lone municipality of Pateros.
Plan in rescuing animals
Meanwhile, Senator JV Ejercito urged the local government units (LGUs) to come out with a plan in rescuing animals during calamities.
Ejercito made this call after several caged dogs and cats drowned in the San Juan City pound at the height of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced “habagat” or monsoon.
“I urge the LGU to hold all responsible parties accountable for this tragedy and to implement measures that will prevent such incidents in the future.” Ejercito said in a news release.
The San Juan City government launched an investigation into the alleged neglect of animals as they also vowed to identify and punish those responsible for this gross dereliction of duty.
Ejercito said it is incumbent upon the leaders and personnel of local government units to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in their custody. (with a report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)
