The Philippines is facing extreme rainfall and severe flooding as a result of the overlapping impact of typhoons “Dolphins” and “Whales” along with the southwest monsoon. According to the latest official reports, this round of disasters has affected over 5.08 million people nationwide and has caused at least 24 deaths. At least 50 towns have declared a state of calamity.
The Philippine Civil Defense Agency reported on Monday (August 17) that 10 administrative regions across the country have been severely affected, affecting over 1.45 million households. The disaster primarily hit Luzon Island (including the capital Manila, Rizal Province, Central Luzon, etc.), as well as parts of the Visayas Islands in the central region and Mindanao in the south.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued the highest level of “red rainfall warning” for the Manila metropolitan area. Extreme weather conditions on that day in Metro Manila saw a two-hour rainfall of 138 millimeters, leading to rapid water level rise, flash floods in multiple areas, and a paralysis of transportation.
Due to the extreme weather conditions, the Philippine presidential palace has urgently announced the suspension of classes in all levels of schools in the Manila metropolitan area and 14 other provinces, shifting to online learning. Except for essential institutions such as healthcare and disaster response, government departments are implementing flexible work arrangements. Currently, at least 50 towns nationwide have declared a state of calamity.
The Philippine Civil Defense Agency stated that more than 500 emergency shelters have been set up by local governments, evacuating over 24,000 affected individuals.