Monsoon fury sweeps Philippines, affecting over 380,000; six dead

A relentless spell of monsoon rains, intensified by tropical cyclones, has battered large swathes of the Philippines, affecting more than 380,000 people across eight regions and leaving at least six dead, according to official reports on Sunday.

The Philippine News Agency reported that around 110,000 families have been affected by the severe weather. Seven people were injured, while 148 houses were damaged, including 138 partially and 10 completely destroyed.

The fatalities were linked to a series of rain-triggered accidents. Two people were killed in a landslide, two in a rockslide, while the remaining deaths were caused by drowning and electrocution.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said authorities have opened 86 evacuation centres, providing shelter to about 2,200 families, or 7,300 people. Another 1,132 families, comprising roughly 3,700 people, have sought refuge elsewhere.

The weather threat is expected to persist. The state weather bureau warned on Sunday that the southwest monsoon would continue to unleash heavy rain over wide areas, including Metro Manila and several provinces across Luzon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) cautioned that moderate to intense rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides in provinces including Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro. Scattered rain and thunderstorms were also forecast for parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA said Typhoon Dolphin was further strengthening the southwest monsoon, with rough to very rough seas expected around extreme Northern Luzon.

As rainwater continued to swell streets and disrupt daily life in the capital, several shopping malls across Metro Manila opened their doors as temporary havens for residents displaced by flooding.

Malls operated by the SM Group, one of the country’s largest conglomerates, made designated waiting areas available, offering free Wi-Fi, restrooms, charging stations and help desks. Free overnight parking was also provided on Saturday night.

Residents in need of temporary shelter were encouraged to seek refuge at participating malls, while local authorities urged communities to remain vigilant as the downpour persisted.

For Metro Manila, a sprawling metropolis long accustomed to the annual monsoon’s watery assault, the latest deluge has once again exposed the vulnerability of low-lying neighbourhoods, where heavy rain can swiftly turn streets into rivers and homes into islands amid rising floodwaters.

With IANS inputs