Monsoon to continue bringing rains

The Philippines will continue experiencing rains brought by the southwest monsoon following the recent exit of two tropical cyclones, according to the state weather bureau.

- ROMINA CABRERA

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast over Zambales and Bataan.

The Ilocos region may see occasional rains.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains are expected in Metro Manila, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Calabarzon and the rest of Central Luzon.

The Visayas, Mindanao and the rest of Luzon may experience isolated rains.

Authorities have recorded 23 casualties, 13 injured and 15 missing persons due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and the cyclones.

Affected Filipinos nationwide totaled 1,061,421, or 298,633 families, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday.

Most are in Central Luzon, with 354,926 people, or 113,141 families affected.

Damage to infrastructure reached P2.4 million and 1,243 houses were damaged.

Agri damage hits P107 M Agricultural damage reached P107.42 million due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Ferdie, Gener and Helen, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.