Manila: Assistance provided to families affected by the combined effects of tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon ("habagat") has reached around PHP2.3 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the aid consisted of family food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and hygiene, sleeping, and kitchen kits, among others. These resources were distributed to nearly 1.57 million families residing in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.

The report also highlights that the number of reported deaths remains at 44, with 18 individuals injured and five still missing. The damage to agriculture and infrastructure has been estimated at PHP12.4 billion. Additionally, the devastation has resulted in 603 houses being destroyed and approximately 3,759 houses sustaining damage.

In a separate update, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that around 10.4 million people, or about 2.97 million families, across 6,900 villages in nine regions have been impacted by the adverse weather conditions. It was also reported that 654 evacuation centers are currently providing shelter to approximately 50,900 individuals, equivalent to 14,600 families.