Bicol flooding leaves P29.4-M losses in agriculture, infra

Philippine Coast Guard rescue residents in Sitio Libas, Barangay Maguiron, Guinobatan, Albay, October 23, 2024. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PCG / FILE

LEGAZPI CITY—Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has initially caused over P38.7 million in damage to agriculture and infrastructure across the Bicol region, as heavy flooding continues to impact several areas.

Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture Bicol, reported an initial assessment as of Thursday (Oct. 24), showing at least P29.4 million in losses across 512 hectares of rice and corn farms in Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Camarines Sur.

READ: Bicol farmers, fisherfolk suffer ‘severe losses’ due to storms

Guarin noted that these figures are expected to rise, as many local government units remain flooded.

The department has prepositioned rice and corn seeds, livestock biologics, and other agricultural supplies to assist affected farmers.

The Office of Civil Defense Bicol also reported preliminary infrastructure damage exceeding P9.3 million in Masbate and Catanduanes.

Many roads and bridges remain impassable due to severe flooding and landslides.

As of Friday morning, 788 villages, primarily in Albay and Camarines Sur, were still submerged. Floodwaters in 65 villages in Sorsogon have started to recede. INQ