Philippines storm death toll rises to 17 after typhoon Bavi, monsoon rains

The death toll from the combined impact of Typhoon Inday (Bavi) and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, has risen to 17, according to the Philippines' Office of Civil Defence (OCD).

OCD Deputy Administrator Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said many of the fatalities were reported in the municipality of Malapatan in Sarangani province. Five deaths were recorded in Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while two others were reported in Bukidnon, Caliber.Az reports, citing GMA.

Alejandro said most of the deaths were caused by landslides triggered by heavy rainfall associated with the typhoon and the intensified monsoon.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as adverse weather affects parts of the country, with emergency response and assessment efforts ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli