The combined effects of southwest monsoon (habagat) rains and Typhoon ‘Bising’ now affect an estimated 82,548 individuals, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.
According to the disaster agency, these are equivalent to 27,401 families across three regions—Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Central Luzon, meanwhile, was hit the hardest with 80,421 individuals affected, equivalent to 26,711 families. These numbers were doubled compared to just 3,000 to 12,000 figures reported on Sunday.
The government already mobilized appropriate assistance to the distressed individuals from the affected regions.
Farmers in Benguet were forced to harvest their goods earlier due to the rains, with market prices down as sellers are offering products such as cabbage at giveaway prices instead of throwing them out.
Fisherfolk in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte are also feeling the effects of bad weather conditions, as they have been forced to skip fishing activities and remain on the ground for the past few days due to risky waves.
According to Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) representative Marcell Tabije, authorities are now coordinating to ensure that fisherfolk stay on land for the meantime.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Monday that Typhoon ‘Bising’ is already out of the Philippine area of responsibility based on its 11:00 a.m. tropical cyclone advisory.