Manila, July 20 -- The Philippine Army and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have intensified their disaster response and relief efforts in northern Luzon following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (local name: Crising) that battered several provinces and displacing thousands across the country.

The Philippine Army has deployed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response teams to communities hit by heavy rains and strong winds brought by Crising, which enhanced the southwest monsoon (habagat) and triggered floods in several provinces.

Disaster rescue and response units from various Philippine Army major units were mobilized to assist in rescue and relief operations, facilitate evacuations, and clear debris from af...