MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed on Thursday that the nationwide death toll from the southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent tropical cyclones has risen to 37, following the report of three additional fatalities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
According to the latest data, Metro Manila recorded the highest number of fatalities at nine, followed by Calabarzon with eight, and Western Visayas with six.
Three deaths each were reported in the Negros Island Region and Northern Mindanao, while Central Luzon accounted for two. One death was recorded each in Mimaropa, the Davao Region, and the Caraga Region.
Eight individuals remain missing, and at least 22 others have been injured due to the combined impacts of recent storms and monsoon rains.
In total, 7,685,943 people have been affected across various regions in the country.
The enhanced habagat was driven by a succession of tropical cyclones — Crising (international name: Wipha), Dante (Francisco), and Emong (Co-may) — which struck the Philippines in recent weeks.
As of Thursday, overcast conditions with scattered to occasional rain showers and thunderstorms are still expected in parts of Central and Northern Luzon due to the prevailing southwest monsoon.