7 die as Crising, habagat toll climbs; Dante looms

The death toll from Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon (habagat) has risen to seven as of Tuesday morning, with one additional fatality reported in Metro Manila.

Three deaths occurred in Northern Mindanao, while one fatality each was reported in Mimaropa, Davao Region, Caraga regions, and now Metro Manila; however, only two fatalities have been officially confirmed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Six individuals remain missing and seven were injured due to severe weather conditions, including three children who drowned in Pocalary Creek in Caloocan.

Over 1.4 million people across all 17 regions of the country have been affected by Crising, habagat, and a low-pressure area (LPA), with damage to agriculture estimated at P132.9 million and infrastructure damage reaching P562.3 million.

State meteorologists predict another tropical cyclone named Dante forming within the Philippine area of responsibility, adding concerns about heavy rains and flooding in many areas, including Metro Manila where roads are submerged and classes have been suspended.