At least 27 people habe now been confirmed killed in storms across the Philippines this month, as weather forecasts warned of further heavy rains in the Southeast Asian country.
Since Christmas weekend, heavy rains and flooding have wracked the nation’s southern and central islands, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.
At least three storms have killed 27 people in the country since the beginning of the year, according to a report issued by the civil defense office on Sunday.
Eleven people were hurt, and three are still missing.
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PAGASA, the state weather forecaster, issued a heavy rain warning for the Bicol Peninsula and Quezon province near the southern tip of the main island of Luzon on Sunday.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely in areas that are highly… susceptible to these hazards,” PAGASA said in an advisory.
According to the civil defense office, more than 83,000 people are taking refuge in evacuation centers, and more than 1,200 homes have been damaged by floodwaters and severe rains.
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, with scientists warning that storms are becoming more powerful as the planet warms.
This story was adapted from Aljazeera.
