Heavy rains have unleashed severe flooding and landslides across eastern and southern parts of the Philippines since last Monday, with the national disaster agency reporting at least 17 deaths and two people still unaccounted for. The ongoing weather system has dumped substantial rainfall across multiple provinces, and weather authorities warn that heavy downpours are expected to continue in the affected southern and eastern areas over the next 24 hours, according to the national meteorological service PAGASA on Friday.
The deadliest cluster of impacts has been centered in the Bicol region, located southeast of Luzon, which accounts for five fatalities. Additional losses were tallied in Eastern Visayas (four), Northern Mindanao (four), Zamboanga (three), and Davao (one). This latest update comes from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which tracks casualties and the evolving situation across the archipelago.
Around 71,442 residents have sought shelter in evacuation centers, with more than 523,000 people affected by the storm as it continues to disrupt communities, transport networks, and daily life across several islands. Officials emphasize the importance of remaining in safe locations and complying with evacuation orders as conditions may change quickly in the coming days. Local authorities are coordinating relief supplies, temporary housing, and medical assistance to respond to urgent needs and prevent further casualties.
Philippines faces a harsh climate reality, facing 15 to 20 cyclones annually and ranking among the nations most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. International experts note that densely populated urban slums, fragile infrastructure, and limited drainage systems contribute to higher fatality rates during extreme weather events. They urge investments in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based preparedness to reduce the impact on vulnerable populations while supporting faster recovery efforts. Despite these challenges, disaster response agencies continue to mobilize resources, monitor weather developments, and engage communities in protective actions to save lives and protect livelihoods.