MANILA, Philippines – Over 7,500 families have been affected by Tropical Depression Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Friday, as disaster officials raised the alarm over possible floods and landslides in wide areas of the country.

OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) has been on red alert since Thursday, with prepositioned food packs and standby personnel ready for rapid deployment.

Crising is expected to make landfall in Northern Luzon, prompting preemptive evacuations in parts of Regions I, II, and III. However, Castillo warned that the storm’s enhancement of the habagat could bring widespread rains far beyond its track.

“As we speak, virtual emergency operations centers (EOCs) are running, especially in Northern Luzon. But we are looking at the entire Philippines because of the southwest monsoon being strengthened by Crising,” Castillo said during a Palace briefing.

The OCD also flagged risks around major waterways, such as the Cagayan River and Magat Dam, which could trigger floods if waters overflow. Authorities deferred water releases but are closely monitoring levels.

Castillo said the agency is coordinating with DOST-PAGASA and local disaster councils for real-time advisories and potential evacuations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday visited the DSWD National Resource Operations Center to inspect relief goods, underscoring the administration’s attempt to get ahead of any major disaster—at least on paper.

As of Friday, families in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen have reported displacement. The numbers, however, are still being updated, Castillo noted.