'Crising' exits

Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” (international name: Wipha) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Saturday, July 19, but it will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon (“habagat”), which will bring heavy rains, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions in huge part of the country in the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

- MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT, MARTIN SADONGDONG, and AARON RECUENCO

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said “Crising” intensified into a severe tropical storm (STS) and has exited PAR. However, the weather bureau warned that the system continues to enhance the “habagat,” which will bring rains and winds to many areas across the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Saturday that Crising affected 37,598 families composed of 96,791 individuals 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, 11,689 individuals are staying in 155 evacuation centers while more than 6,000 others are 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.

In a separate report, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Crising displaced over 15,000 individuals who are currently staying in 200 evacuation centers.