Manila: The reported death toll from last month's southwest monsoon and a series of tropical cyclones has climbed to 40, with combined agriculture and infrastructure damage now exceeding PHP18 billion, according to official government tally as of Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, in its latest update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that only three deaths have been confirmed so far-one each in the Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, and the Caraga Region. The remaining 37 fatalities are still undergoing validation as of the time of the report.

In the same update, the NDRRMC indicated that agriculture damage is estimated at PHP2.98 billion, affecting 91,933 farmers and fisherfolk. Infrastructure damage is estimated at PHP15.46 billion, bringing the total damage to PHP18.44 billion.

The NDRRMC report also stated that the number of families affected by the inclement weather has reached 2,376,036, equivalent to 8,635,250 individuals. Of these affected families, 23,866 are receiving assistance in 797 evacuation centers, while another 27,861 are being helped in other locations.