The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that the death toll from the effects of Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon, or habagat, has climbed to 18, with search and rescue operations continuing in several affected areas.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, OCD Deputy Administrator Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said the combined effects of Typhoon Inday and the habagat affected parts of Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon, with authorities closely monitoring areas in Bataan, Zambales, Mindoro, Palawan, Cavite, and Laguna.
“Medyo ang epekto kasi ng Inday at saka yung habagat natin ay nag-umpisa sa Mindanao, pataas sa Visayas hanggang Luzon. Ngayong araw ang tinutukan natin itong magiging epekto dito sa Bataan, Zambales area, pati na rin sa Mindoro and Palawan and part of Region 4A, itong Cavite and Laguna,” Alejandro said.
He added that continuous monitoring and coordination with local government units are being conducted to prevent further casualties, especially as moderate to heavy rains may still trigger flash floods and landslides.
Alejandro confirmed that the reported fatalities increased from 17 to 18 as of the latest validation, with most casualties recorded in Mindanao due to landslides.
“Eighteen na po as of sa kanina. Although again for validation, ano na ito. Yung Saranggani, yung 10 tapos 6, nadagdagan ng isa, yung sa Lanao del Sur kasi nahanap na yung isang missing and dalawa na Bukidnon,” he said.
Authorities are still conducting search and rescue operations for missing individuals, including five people reported missing in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, and seven others in Jose Abad Santos.
The OCD official also reported 34 flooded areas as of the morning of the interview, although most areas remain under validation. He noted that landslides continue to be the primary cause of casualties, particularly in Mindanao.
“Meron flooding konti sa areas ng Antique pero nag-surprise naman and hopefully sa Mindoro. Romblon may mga flooded reports din tayo. Sana nga walang magiging casualty doon,” Alejandro said.
Alejandro said there are currently no completely isolated communities, although some areas remain difficult to access due to landslides blocking roads, including portions of Glan, Sarangani. Clearing operations are ongoing to restore access.
The OCD official also warned that previous earthquakes in some areas may have contributed to increased landslide risks, as weakened soil could become more unstable when exposed to heavy rainfall.
“Meron po mga lugar na talagang apektado and ma-aggravate dahil sa additional na tubig. That will result to either a landslide or ito nga mga flooding,” Alejandro explained.
According to Alejandro, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is monitoring thousands of areas vulnerable to landslides, flooding, and flash floods. Around 6,896 barangays nationwide are currently being watched due to potential risks, including areas in Regions 3, 4A, 4B, and parts of Mindanao.
The OCD said monitoring and response efforts will continue as the habagat remains a threat even after Typhoon Inday has moved away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
