Manila, Aug. 5 -- The reported death toll from last month's southwest monsoon and a series of tropical cyclones has climbed to 40, with combined agriculture and infrastructure damage now exceeding PHP18 billion, according to official government tally as of Tuesday.

In its latest update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said only three deaths are so far confirmed - one each in Ilocos Region, Northern Mindanao, and the Caraga Region. The remaining 37 fatalities are still undergoing validation as of the time of the report.

In the same update, the NDRRMC said agriculture damage was estimated at PHP2.98 billion, affecting 91,933 farmers and fisherfolk, while infrastructure damage was estimated at PHP15.46 ...