Manila, Sept. 10 -- Assistance provided to families affected by the combined effects of tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon ("habagat") has reached around PHP2.3 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday.

The aid consisted of family food packs; ready-to-eat meals; and hygiene, sleeping, and kitchen kits, among others, given to nearly 1.57 million families from Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera, National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.

Reported number of deaths remains at 44; injured, 18; and missing, five.

Combined agriculture and infrastructure damage remain at PHP12.4 billion.

Destroyed houses reached 603, whi...