Tropical Depression “Wilma” brought heavy rains and strong winds that affected around 63,000 individuals across five regions in Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday, Dec. 7.

A report from the NDRRMC showed that 22,149 families or 63,648 individuals were affected in 169 barangays across Bicol (Region 5), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), and Caraga (Region 13).

Out of the number, there were 980 families or 2,539 individuals who were brought to 41 evacuation centers while 11 families or 44 individuals were assisted by the government elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored 11,753 stranded passengers in 79 affected ports in Southern Tagalog, Palawan, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Southern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

There were 3,510 rolling cargoes, 109 vessels and 38 motorbancas that were also unable to sail, while 123 vessels and 116 motorbancas sought shelter as rough sea conditions persisted.

The highest number of stranded individuals was recorded in Bicol with 5,652 passengers and 1,563 rolling cargoes stuck across ports such as Matnog, Pilar, Pasacao, Bulan, and Aroroy. Four vessels and two motorbancas remained docked, while 26 vessels and 12 motorbancas took shelter.

Flood, evacuation

The NDRRMC said 13 areas were flooded in Regions 5, 8, and 13. As a result, eight roads were rendered impassable to motorists.

Authoities also premptively evacuated 5,129 families or 16,536 individuals in Mimaropa (Region 4B), Negros Island Reigon (NIR), Regions 7, 8, and 13, particularly those residing in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and other hazards.

Meanwhile, the national government has extended PP76,472 worth of relief assistance to affected residents in Caraga.