Typhoons Luis, Maymay kill 29 as monsoon rains batter Philippines

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported the mounting death toll as tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay continued to sweep across the archipelago while the habagat, or southwest monsoon, brought heavy rainfall to multiple regions. The council's latest assessment, issued at 6 a.m., indicated that Benguet province in the Cordillera region accounted for most of the fatalities, reflecting the severe impact of the weather systems on the mountainous terrain.

Benguet, situated in the northern highlands, has been particularly vulnerable to the combined effects of the cyclonic systems and monsoon rains, which have triggered landslides and flooding in the rugged landscape. The province's elevated terrain and exposed communities have made it susceptible to rapid accumulation of water and earth movements during periods of intensive rainfall.

Disaster officials have been coordinating response efforts across affected areas as weather systems continue to evolve. The NDRRMC has been monitoring the situation closely and issuing updates as new information becomes available regarding casualties, displacement, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture across multiple regions.

The concurrent occurrence of tropical cyclones and monsoon activity has compounded the challenge for disaster response teams, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders when necessary.