Photo credit: PCO

The effects of Tropical Cyclones Kristine and Leon have left an indelible mark on the Philippines. With the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Alert Level Blue, the latest disaster bulletin paints a harrowing picture of the devastation and ongoing recovery efforts. Let’s break down what’s happening on the ground.

The Toll on Lives and Livelihoods

The back-to-back typhoons have tragically claimed 146 lives, while 130 people have been reported injured, and 20 others are still missing. The widespread impact has affected over 8.6 million people across more than 12,000 barangays, displacing hundreds of thousands of families. The situation in evacuation centers is dire, with more than 223,000 people seeking refuge across 1,437 centers. Outside of these centers, nearly 109,000 families are struggling to cope, either with friends or family or trying to rebuild what’s left of their homes.

A Massive Response Underway

As the government declares a state of calamity in multiple regions, the NDRRMC and local authorities have been working round the clock to provide critical assistance. Here’s a closer look at what’s been mobilized so far:

- Relief Efforts: More than P2.8 billion in standby funds and prepositioned assistance have been allocated, with an additional P924 million worth of relief supplies on standby. As of now, P1.18 billion worth of assistance has already been provided to those in need.

- Health Services: Medical teams have reached 3,310 consultations, offering essential care. For those dealing with trauma, mental health services have reached 21,750 affected residents—a critical lifeline for those grappling with the psychological toll of these back-to-back storms.

- Rescue & Relief: Over 1,700 search and rescue teams with more than 3,100 assets have been deployed, rescuing 395,812 individuals. These responders are working tirelessly to reach people stranded in isolated areas and provide much-needed support.

Infrastructure & Agriculture Take Heavy Hits

The storms’ impact extends beyond immediate humanitarian needs. With nearly P4.9 billion in agricultural losses and over P7.4 billion in infrastructure damages, the economic ramifications are immense. Homes have also taken a beating, with 33,525 houses completely destroyed and another 178,267 partially damaged.

Key lifelines have been disrupted, including power outages in 42 areas, 48 communication outages, and water service interruptions in seven areas. Road access has also been compromised, with 89 roads and 14 bridges rendered impassable. Additionally, 21 seaports are currently non-operational, impacting vital supply chains and slowing down relief efforts.

A Call for Preparedness and Solidarity

As cleanup and recovery efforts ramp up, the NDRRMC continues to emphasize preparedness and solidarity among Filipinos. The council is urging everyone to stay informed, especially with the ongoing storm season, and to heed evacuation orders and safety guidelines.

The path to recovery will be long, but with continued support from the government, local authorities, and the resilience of the Filipino people, the country will rise once again. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected receive the help they need and on rebuilding the communities hardest hit by these powerful storms.