Storm damage tops ₱7.8-B

The economic toll of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, together with the southwest monsoon or habagat, has climbed beyond ₱7.8 billion, with infrastructure and agricultural losses mounting across several regions, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The latest assessment released last week placed infrastructure damage at approximately ₱5.95 billion, while agricultural losses reached around ₱1.86 billion.

Infrastructure facilities were damaged across the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. Agricultural losses were likewise recorded in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas.

Beyond physical damage, the successive weather disturbances have disrupted the lives and livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.

The Office of Civil Defense reported that the number of people affected has reached 7.7 million, equivalent to about 2.2 million families across 10 regions.

Government assistance extended to affected communities has also reached approximately ₱1.56 billion, covering relief and other forms of support as recovery operations continue.

The reported death toll remained at 31 pending validation, while 19 people were injured and three others were reported missing.

The storms and monsoon rains also damaged an estimated 2,500 houses, while about 340 homes were reported destroyed.

The latest figures underscore the widening economic impact of the weather disturbances, with damage extending from roads and other public infrastructure to farms and agricultural production. The losses could further strain local economies as affected communities work to restore homes, livelihoods and essential facilities.