The number of reported fatalities caused by continuous rains in Mindanao brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has climbed to four, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
In an interview with DZRH, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno confirmed that the casualties came from Regions IX, X, XI, and XII. However, he noted that the causes of death are still undergoing validation.
Heavy rains from the ITCZ have affected parts of Mindanao since May 14, leading to widespread flooding and displacement.
Latest data shows that 57,642 families, or approximately 275,590 individuals, have been affected across 162 barangays in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
More than 6,000 individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers, while others have opted to seek shelter with relatives or in safer areas.
The OCD continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with local government units to provide relief and ensure the safety of affected residents.
