DA: Kristine caused P3.11B agricultural damage

People cross a river next to a bridge that collapsed after the river overflew due to heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm Kristine in Laurel, Batangas province, south of Manila on October 25, 2024. Philippine rescue workers battled floodwaters on October 25 to reach residents still trapped on the roofs of their homes as Tropical Storm Trami moved out to sea after killing at least 40 people. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE /AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) to the country’s crop and fisheries sectors has climbed to P3.11 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In its bulletin issued on Sunday, DA said the damage affected 74,554 farmers.

READ: 158 calamity areas declared, 5.7 million affected, Kristine death toll at 85

Kristine’s impact covers 72,329 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas, and volume of production loss at 160,107 metric tons (MT).

DA said the damaged commodities amount to P2.87 billion for rice with 69,976 ha of affected land, and a volume of production loss at 152,440 MT.

Meanwhile, the value of production losses for corn amounts to P22.27 million with a 783 ha affected land and volume of production loss at 1,461 MT.

Below is the breakdown of the damaged commodities:

• 152,440 MT for palay/rice
• 1,461 MT for corn
• 126 MT for cassava
• 6,014  MT for high-value crops
• 66 MT for fisheries

To aid affected farmers and fishers, the DA will be providing the following items:

• P541.02 million worth of agricultural inputs (rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, drugs, and biologics for livestock and poultry)
• Bags of rice stocks from the National Food Authority for distribution as relief by LGUs, DSWD, and other relief agencies to families affected
• Deployment of Kadiwa stores to affected areas
• P1 billion Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation and recovery of affected areas, among others