MANILA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has distributed 1.66 million food packs and other relief items worth 1.09 billion pesos (about 17.6 million U.S. dollars) to families affected by recent heavy rains and the southwest monsoon, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Saturday.

People wade through floodwater in Quezon City, the Philippines, on Aug. 17, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

More than 2.12 million families have been affected, with about 11,600 staying in evacuation centers and nearly 20,000 outside shelters. Some 3.79 million food packs have been stockpiled in warehouses nationwide for ongoing relief operations, according to the DSWD.

At least 29 people died, and 19 others were injured due to the recent heavy rains and the southwest monsoon. The government remains on high alert, coordinating with local governments to ensure continued aid under the year-round disaster response program, according to the Office of Civil Defense.