Tropical depression 'Ester' affects nearly 3K residents in Bicol, W. Visayas
Almost 3,000 individuals in Bicol (Region 5) and Western Visayas (Region 6) were affected by tropical depression “Ester,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Sunday, July 31.

The NDRRMC said that 869 families or 2,979 individuals were impacted by Ester in 21 barangays in Albay, Masbate, and Antique.
There were no casualties recorded but 27 barangays were flooded in Guinobatan, Albay; Nabua, Camarines Sur; Mobo, Masbate; and in Sibalom, Hamtic, and San Jose de Buenavista towns in Antique.
Meanwhile, the heavy rains also triggered landslides in Brgys. Site, Igcocok, and Tabongtabong in Sibalom town; Binirayan Hills in San Jose de Buenavista;, and Brgy. Quitago in Guinobatan.
Lahar flows were also reported by the authorities in Brgy. Maninila and Masarawag in Guinobatan.
The NDRRMC said family food packs were already sent to 50 affected residents in Antique while relief operations in other areas were on going.
Ester left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) around 5 a.m. Sunday although rains may persist due to the enhances southwest monsoon or habagat.