Manila: The Philippines will observe a day of mourning on Monday as two recent tropical cyclones across the country left 146 people dead and affected 8.6 million people. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared this National Day of Mourning to honor the victims of the heavy rains and flooding caused by cyclone Trami.

According to Anadolu Agency, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 189,340 houses were damaged by the cyclones Trami and Kong-re, locally named Kristine and Leon, respectively. The cyclones wreaked havoc on infrastructure, rendering 96 seaports affected, though 75 have resumed operations.

The financial toll of the cyclones is staggering, with damage to infrastructure and agriculture estimated at $123 million and $77.5 million, respectively. The widespread devastation underscores the challenges faced by the nation in rebuilding and providing aid to the millions affected.

President Marcos’s declaration of a National Day of Mourning aims to bring th
e nation together in remembrance of those lost and to galvanize support for recovery efforts. The government and various agencies continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy and assist those in dire need.