Severe weather conditions continue to impact the Philippines, with ongoing flooding reported in multiple regions by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
This flooding is attributed to the effects of the Shear Line, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and Low-Pressure Areas (LPAs).
Since December 8, 2024, these weather systems have caused significant flooding incidents across Calabarzon, Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and the Davao Region.
Calabarzon has been severely affected, particularly in Quezon Province, where ten areas are still experiencing flooding.
A total of 88 families, comprising 367 individuals, have been impacted across seven barangays. One road section in Real, Quezon, remains impassable to all vehicle types, complicating access to the affected areas.
In Mimaropa, the situation is dire; 30 areas in Oriental Mindoro and Palawan are flooded. Approximately 10,021 families (48,598 persons) have been affected, with 174 families (702 individuals) currently residing in eight evacuation centers.
Infrastructure damage includes five impassable road sections and one bridge. Fortunately, all seaports have resumed operations, and no stranded passengers have been reported. However, one infrastructure has been reported as totally damaged.
The Municipality of Baco in Oriental Mindoro has declared a state of calamity through Resolution No. 290 – 2024, which allows for expedited access to emergency assistance. Authorities have provided Php 1,779,800 in food and family packs to support the affected families.
In Region V, which includes parts of Camarines Sur, flooding has affected 33 areas across ten cities and municipalities, impacting 154 families (678 persons). These individuals are currently housed in ten evacuation centers while 20 road sections remain impassable.
Eastern Visayas has also been significantly affected; 52,949 families (199,364 persons) are impacted. The OCD reports one fatality due to drowning in Borongan City (pending verification). Damage assessments indicate that 18 houses have been affected—seven partially and eleven totally.
Immediate needs include food packs in Northern and Eastern Samar and Doxycycline in Catarman, Northern Samar. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VIII is actively conducting clearing operations following reported landslides.
In the Davao Region, flooding has been reported in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental. The Mana Bridge in Malita is currently impassable to all vehicle types, and power interruptions have been noted in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
The OCD is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with local disaster response teams to provide timely assistance to affected communities.
Residents are urged to stay connected with local authorities and the OCD for real-time updates and assistance.
