(UPDATED)

The number of people affected due to the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” and “habagat” (southwest monsoon) has risen to 96,000 as three individuals were reported missing amid massive flooding and landslides, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Saturday, July 19.

An NDRRMC report said 37,598 families composed of 96,791 individuals were affected by the bad weather in Ilocos (Region 1), Mimaropa (Region 4B), Bicol (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7), Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), Northern Mindanao (Region 10), Soccsksargen (Region 12), Caraga (Region 13), and Negros Island Region (NIR).

Of those affected, there were 11,689 individuals staying in 155 evacuation centers while more than 6,000 others were temporarily staying at their relatives or friends’ homes and being assisted by the NDRRMC.

Twenty-six areas were flooded in Regions 1, 4B, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 13.

Meanwhile, three individuals were reported missing. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Officer-in-Charge Asst. Sec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said two of those missing were in Antique while one was in Palawan. 

Mr. Broderick Train, head of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO) in Antique, said the missing individuals in the province were recorded in the municipality of Sebaste. They were reportedly sleeping in their homes when they got washed away into the sea during a sudden flashflood.

"May isa pang vine-verify sa Valderrama na isang tao na may diperensya na tumalon sa ilog (We are verifying a report that another person with mental health issue jumped into the river in Valderrama town)," Train added in a radio interview over DZMM.

Meanwhile, the missing person in Palawan was a fisherman who ventured into the sea despite the bad weather condition.

A tree was also uprooted in Barangay Lapaz Tubog, Hamtic, Antique which struck and totally damaged a house while a landslide damaged four houses in Brgy. Bacalan, Sebaste, Antique

In Barangay Payocpoc Norte Oeste, Bauang, La Union, a tree fell into a transformer which caused power interruption.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted search and rescue operations in various parts of the country amid bad weather.

A total of 6,761 individuals have been rescued by the PCG nationwide since it began its search and rescue missions last Thursday.

The Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) responded after a barge drifted toward the shoreline of Catanduanes due to rough sea conditions on July 18.

Commodore Ivan Roldan, commander of CGDBCL, said the barge “Premium Portland 2” was anchored offshore when heavy weather caused its anchor line to break, resulting in the vessel drifting uncontrollably with three crew members onboard. The vessel is being operated by the Navi Shipping Company.

Personnel of Coast Guard District Bicol conducted an on-site assessment and fortunately, no oil spill or pollution was observed. The PCG has communicated with the crew members onboard via radio for their safe rescue.

In Barangays 1 and 2, Ilog, Negros Occidental, the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) evacuated 151 residents affected by flooding.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station Peñablanca Deployable Response Group (DRG) also evacuated residents living near the Pinacanauan River in Peñablanca, Cagayan due to rising water level. They were evacuated to the Patagueleg Elementary School.

In Palawan, 88 families composed of 253 individuals from Brgy. Sicsican, Puerto Princesa City were rescued by the Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) as flooding submerged their houses.

Meanwhile, 1,280 passengers were stranded in 42 ports nationwide as sea voyages were cancelled.

The Philippine Army also deployed its humanitarian assistance and disaster response teams across Northern Luzon to conduct search and rescue missions amid the onslaught on Crising.

“Disaster Rescue and Response Units (DRRUs) from various Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) have been deployed and placed on standby to provide immediate assistance to affected communities. These units are prepared to conduct life-saving rescue and relief operations, facilitate the safe evacuation of residents and carry out clearing efforts in affected areas,” said Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson.

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) also activated its Disaster Response Task Group (DRTG) to support local communities and assist in emergency response operations.

Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N Valencia PN, Superintendent of the PMA, has designated an evacuation zone within Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City to serve as a temporary shelter for affected civilians.