Manila, Aug. 11 (SANA) The death toll from heavy rains caused by tropical storms “Luis” and “Maymay” and the southwest monsoon in the Philippines has risen to 19, while 15 people were injured and four others remain missing.
The Philippine News Agency (PNA), citing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, reported on Tuesday that landslides triggered by heavy rains were the main cause of the casualties, with 12 deaths recorded in Benguet province, four in Rizal, and three in Batangas.
The council said the weather disturbances affected around 2.27 million people in 11 regions, while more than 900 evacuation centers were established to accommodate around 95,000 people.
It added that the government has provided assistance exceeding 73 million pesos, equivalent to around $1.2 million, as search and rescue operations for the missing continue.
Heavy rains have continued in several parts of the Philippines for 10 days, with rainfall in some areas exceeding the amount normally recorded over an entire month.
The Philippines experiences an average of around 20 storms and typhoons annually due to its location along the typhoon belt in the Pacific Ocean.
T.S / M.F
