The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has reported that infrastructure damage has reached P6.16 billion, while losses in the agriculture sector amount to P2.32 billion, primarily due to the persistent Southwest Monsoon or Hanging Habagat, significantly enhanced by Super Typhoon Egay (international name Doksuri) in late July 2023.
According to a report from the OCD Disaster Preparedness Service, approximately 724 areas nationwide have been directly affected by the severe weather, intense rainfall, and widespread flooding, underscoring the Philippines’ extreme vulnerability to such climate-related hazards.
Authorities are currently conducting ongoing assessment and verification of damaged roads, bridges, and other public facilities, alongside destroyed crops and rice fields, with inter-agency efforts involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure comprehensive data collection.
The OCD assured that its office is focused on continuous coordination with local government units and other government agencies to swiftly deliver necessary aid to affected communities, a critical aspect of disaster response in a nation frequently impacted by extreme weather events.
Authorities once again reminded residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and adhere to advisories from local government units and disaster response teams, emphasizing the ongoing importance of community-level preparedness and early warning systems in mitigating the impact of future weather disturbances.