World · Philippines Bureau
OCD verifies 14 additional deaths linked to southwest monsoon
The Office of Civil Defense is investigating 14 newly reported fatalities attributed to the habagat, potentially raising the death toll from the southwest monsoon to 47. The verification process is expected to be completed soon.
LSN Philippines ·
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced Monday that it is conducting verification of 14 additional reported deaths caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat, according to information disclosed by Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV.
If confirmed, the newly reported fatalities would bring the total death toll from the weather system to 47. The OCD is working to validate the accounts before finalizing the casualty figures.
The habagat brings heavy rainfall and strong winds to the western portions of the Philippines during the monsoon season, typically occurring from June through September. Such weather systems frequently trigger flooding, landslides, and other hazards that endanger communities across the archipelago.
The OCD continues to coordinate with local government units and disaster response agencies to assess the full extent of damages and casualties caused by the ongoing weather disturbance. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow emergency protocols as conditions persist.