Thu Sep 19 16:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Heavy Rains and Storms Claim 23 Lives in the Philippines
**MANILA, PHILIPPINES** – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has confirmed 23 deaths across the Philippines due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, also known as “habagat,” and storms Ferdie, Gener, and Helen.
The majority of the fatalities were reported in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Maridinque, Romblon and Palawan) with nine deaths. Four deaths were recorded each in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while two deaths occurred in Central Visayas.
The agency also reported 15 people missing: 12 in Mimaropa, two in Zamboanga Peninsula, and one in Western Visayas. Fifteen individuals were reported injured.
The NDRRMC estimates that over a million Filipinos, or 298,633 families, across 13 regions were affected by the weather disturbance. Central Luzon was hardest hit, with 354,926 people affected and 1,243 houses damaged. Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P2,401,500.
The NDRRMC has distributed relief assistance worth P17,437,776 to affected communities.
First Piper 