‘Agaton’ agricultural damage hits P703.3 M — DA

An aerial shot taken on Wednesday shows the reach of the landslide that struck a village in Baybay, Leyte after Tropical Storm Agaton whipped the province and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to the agriculture sector left behind by Tropical Storm Agaton has reached P703.3 million, so far, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Based on the latest update from DA issued 3 p.m. Thursday, the tropical storm has affected 11,666 farmers, with a volume of production loss at 40,850 metric tons and 17,530 hectares of agricultural areas.

Damage was reported in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen and Caraga regions.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, and livestock.

“These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by ‘Agaton,’” the DA said.

The agency, through its regional field offices, is conducting assessment of damage and losses brought by the tropical cyclone in the agri-fisheries.

The DA also said it is continuously coordinating with concerned government agencies, local government units, and other offices related to disaster risk reduction and management on the impact of “Agaton” and available resources for assistance.

Rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; assistance from the Survival and Recovery Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council; funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and; Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas will be provided to affected farmers and fishermen.

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