Manila: Persons affected by inclement weather have climbed to 4.18 million, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, OCD information officer Diego Mariano stated that the affected individuals are equivalent to approximately 1.21 million families. These families are spread across various regions including Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Calabarzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, National Capital Region, and Mimaropa.
Mariano noted that an estimated 523 evacuation centers are currently providing shelter to around 14,511 families, totaling 51,912 individuals. The assistance distributed so far has amounted to PHP495.42 million. The reported fatalities, which are pending validation, stand at 21, with 15 in Benguet and three each in Rizal and Batangas. Additionally, there are 17 people injured and three reported missing. The weather has caused significant damage to housing, with 111 homes completely destroyed and 1,317 partially damaged.
In response to the situation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been instructed to enhance their coordination with local government units, especially in urban and flood-prone areas. This is to ensure the safety of students who may become stranded due to sudden class suspensions caused by severe weather.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of increasing police presence in areas frequented by students, such as school zones, transport hubs, major roads, and flood-prone areas. The goal is to develop a systematic approach to safeguard learners, particularly those in grade school and junior high school.
The patrols are designed to assist police in identifying students who are stranded or require help while commuting. Officers are also tasked with steering students away from flooded roads and other dangers while working in tandem with emergency responders. Nartatez highlighted the necessity for police officers to remain visible and prepared to act even after a suspension has been declared.
