Kristine ruins P500 million rice plants in Cagayan Valley

This aerial photo shows houses submerged in flood due to the heavy rains brought about by Tropical Storm Trami in Tuguegarao City, province of Cagayan 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 John Dimain / AFP)

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Gusty winds and heavy rains caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) have caused an estimated P500 million in damage to rice plants across Cagayan Valley, according to Rose Mary Aquino, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture.

Many rice fields may not recover as floodwaters persist in low-lying areas, even with rains now easing, Aquino explained in a statement on Oct. 26.

A total of 96,000 hectares of mature rice plants suffered extensive damage, while 40 percent were in the reproductive stage.

READ: Agricultural damage due to Kristine climbs to P3.11B

Losses totaled P521.33 million, with P506 million representing damage.

Isabela was the hardest hit, with about P498 million in crop damage, of which P382 million was only partially affected.

Quirino reported P3 million in crop losses, and Cagayan’s final damage report is still pending validation.

Corn crop damage was minimal, impacting around 50,000 ha and resulting in P9 million losses in Cagayan and P1 million in Quirino.

Fisheries sustained about P3 million in losses, affecting 138 fisherfolk across the region. INQ