By: Pauline Ritchel Ramos
Photo by: ABS CBN NEWS
The combined effects of Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito have displaced 685,071 individuals across multiple regions, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday, Nov. 18.
During preemptive evacuations, the NDRRMC recorded 695,108 individuals from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Metro Manila relocated to safer areas before the typhoons arrived.
In response to Typhoons Nika, Ofel, and Pepito, 2,717 evacuation centers were utilized—nearly five times the 566 centers used during the earlier cyclones, resulting to 60% of the displaced population being able to seek shelter in evacuation centers while the remaining 40% found temporary shelter elsewhere.
The early evacuation ensured the shelter of the populations in danger zones from the typhoon, in contrast to the 168,039 people who were evacuated early during Typhoons Kristine and Leon, where 74% of the displaced people during the storm surge had to seek shelter outside of evacuation shelters.
Of the three typhoons, the NDRRMC reported 11 injuries but no fatalities or missing individuals. However, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. acknowledged that Typhoon Pepito was responsible for one fatality.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 2.341 million people, or 634,476 families, were affected—nearly double the 1.146 million individuals recorded by the NDRRMC.
The typhoons caused ?469.85 million in infrastructure damage, including 7,838 homes and 54 damaged facilities. Crops, cattle, fisheries, machinery, and agricultural infrastructure were all impacted by the ?8.64 million in agricultural losses.
Meanwhile, a total of 272 roads, 101 bridges, and 88 seaports were affected by the storms. Of these, 33% of roads and bridges are only partially passable, and 14% can only accommodate select vehicles.
The DSWD has allocated ?70.79 million in humanitarian assistance for the displaced population, while the agency still holds ?196.95 million in standby funds and ?2.09 billion worth of food and non-food items.
To sustain disaster response efforts, the Department of Budget and Management recently allocated ?875 million to replenish the quick response fund, which had been significantly utilized during previous storms.
Government agencies are also conducting ongoing assessments and data validation as Typhoon Pepito remains within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Authorities are urging affected communities to remain vigilant and comply with safety protocols.