AGRICULTURAL damage caused by typhoon Jolina (international name: Conson) increased to P1.36 billion from the previous estimate of P1.26 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said in a bulletin on Wednesday noon that 49,803 farmers and fishers and 30,609 hectares of agricultural areas were affected by the typhoon, the 10th and one of the strongest to hit the country this year.
Damage brought by Jolina resulted in 51,177 metric tons (MT) of production volume loss.
“Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, fisheries, irrigation & agri-facilities. These values are still subject to validation,” the DA said in the bulletin.
Jolina was closely trailed typhoon Kiko (international name: Chanthu), which caused agricultural damage estimated at P18.20 million as of Sept. 14.
The DA said in a bulletin on Sept. 14 afternoon that Kiko, which was stronger than Jolina but passed through less land areas, affected 880 farmers and fishers and 1,172 hectares of agricultural areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
Damage from Kiko also resulted in 609 MT of production volume loss.
“Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and fisheries. These values are still subject to validation,” the DA said in the bulletin.
The province of Batanes, the northernmost islands in the country, has declared a state of calamity due to damage in homes and other structures, including power and communication facilities.
The Department of Energy (DoE) said power restoration efforts are ongoing in Batanes. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave