THE Philippines continues to endure severe weather conditions as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reports widespread flooding caused by the Shear Line, Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and multiple Low-Pressure Areas (LPAs).
The adverse weather, ongoing since December 8, 2024, has affected regions nationwide, including CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Davao.
CALABARZON:
Quezon Province remains one of the hardest-hit areas, with flooding persisting in ten locations. Seven barangays have reported impacts on 88 families (367 individuals). Accessibility is hampered, as one road section in Real, Quezon, remains impassable.
MIMAROPA:
In Oriental Mindoro and Palawan, 30 areas are underwater, displacing 10,021 families (48,598 individuals). Among them, 174 families (702 individuals) are taking shelter in eight evacuation centers. The region has sustained significant infrastructure damage, including five impassable roads and a destroyed bridge. The Municipality of Baco, Oriental Mindoro, has declared a state of calamity to fast-track aid. Relief efforts include Php 1,779,800 in food and family packs.
Region V (Bicol):
Flooding has affected 33 areas across ten cities and municipalities, impacting 154 families (678 individuals). Twenty road sections remain impassable, with evacuees housed in ten centers.
Eastern Visayas:
The region has been severely affected, with 52,949 families (199,364 individuals) impacted. Landslides and flooding have caused fatalities, with one drowning reported in Borongan City (pending verification). Eighteen homes have been damaged, and immediate needs include food packs and Doxycycline in Northern and Eastern Samar. Clearing operations are underway.
Davao Region:
Flooding in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental has disrupted transportation, with Mana Bridge in Malita rendered impassable. Power outages persist in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
The OCD, in coordination with local disaster response teams, is closely monitoring the situation and providing timely relief efforts. As communities face the continued impact of adverse weather, national and regional authorities prioritize safety, disaster response, and resource mobilization to support affected populations.