The Philippines was hit 99 times by natural and man-made disasters from January to June of this year, Citizens’ Disaster Response Center said.

These affected a total of 579,540 families or 3,405,707 individuals.

Of the 99 disasters, 20 are weather-related. This weather-related disasters, including drought and floods, remain on top of the list in terms of the number of families and persons affected.

The remaining 79 are human-induced disasters, mostly fire-related, which accounted for 41 deaths.

The figures were released by CDRC which maintains its own disaster database.

Lourdes Louella Escandor, CDRC’s Executive Director, said that the figures are lower compared to last years January-June data, but this should not make communities complacent.

“We are still expecting more typhoons, more floods and more landslides in the coming months,” Escandor said.

Escandor stressed that communities should take steps to enhance their capacities and reduce their vulnerabilities. Disaster preparedness and cooperation of the whole community is important in reducing the impact of disasters.

CDRC is a non-government organization that pioneered and continues to promote community-based disaster management in the Philippines. It operates nationwide through a network of regional centers and people’s organizations.