Overview of Paolo’s Impact
Tropical Cyclone Paolo has affected 313,822 people (94,744 families) across several regions in the Philippines, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of Monday. The agency’s latest report details the displacement, damages, and ongoing relief efforts following Paolo’s passage.
Regions Most Affected
The affected populations are spread across the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central Luzon, and Calabarzon. Central Luzon accounted for the largest share, with 246,306 individuals affected, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to heavy rains and flooding associated with Paolo.
Displacement and Shelter
Of the total affected, 3,091 people (866 families) were staying in evacuation centers, while 5,289 people (1,928 families) sought shelter in other locations. The data reflects ongoing efforts to provide temporary housing and basic needs amid persistent weather concerns and accessibility challenges in some areas.
Floods and Infrastructure
Flooding continued to be reported in 19 areas, though Paolo’s floods have subsided in 109 areas. The storm’s aftermath includes damage to housing and critical infrastructure: 27 houses (26 partial, 1 total) and six other infrastructures have been affected. Impassable roads and bridges remain a concern, with eight of 111 affected road sections and 23 of 36 affected bridges still not passable.
Utilities and Transportation
Power interruptions were reported in 16 of 61 affected areas. Water supply has been restored in one area. Two of the 17 affected seaports remain non-operational, impacting maritime movement and services. As a result, some passengers and cargo are stranded—176 passengers, 37 rolling cargoes, 32 vessels, and seven motorbancas.
Education and Work Disruptions
Disruptions extend to schools and workplaces, with classes suspended in 342 areas and work schedules suspended in 128 areas to ensure community safety amid continuing weather concerns and risk of further incidents.
Relief and Support
Relief efforts have begun to mobilize resources and support for affected residents. The NDRRMC reports that assistance valued at P1,107,766 has been provided to victims, with an additional P1,973,196 delivered to concerned local governments to aid response and recovery operations. These figures illustrate the scale of immediate relief and the ongoing need for coordinated recovery.
What’s Next
As Paolo’s effects continue to unfold, authorities emphasize monitoring weather developments, ensuring shelter and essential services, and accelerating recovery through targeted aid and infrastructure repair. Community readiness and resilience programs remain critical to mitigate future risks and support long-term recovery for affected families.
