The bad weather which has off and on plagued the Philippines in the past month has affected an estimated 1.5 million people and has resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people.
The heavy rains have caused dangerous flooding and landslides in many parts of the archipelago. And now according to Office of Civil Defense administrator, Benito Ramos, 16 fishermen have been reported missing after their boats have been capsized due to the huge waves in the stormy seas of the Philippines coast.
Ramos said the fishermen went out to sea in the bad weather even after repeated warnings not to set sail. A rescue mission has been sent out to search for the missing men according to Ramos.
Ramos also pointed out that seven fisherman were rescued after their boat overturned off the Catanduanes province.
In addition to the effect on human life, the damage to agriculture and property has been estimated to be at P1.6 billion or $3.7 million.
The weather has also affected the airways as twenty domestic flights were cancelled or diverted today alone due to the inclement weather.
Weather forecasters have warned that the bad weather and rains may continue until early March due to the cold front.
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