Kristine leaves P223-M agri damage in Oriental Mindoro

INQUIRER FILES

CITY OF CALAPAN—Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) had left Oriental Mindoro reeling from devastation, with agricultural losses now totaling P223.29 million, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).

PDRRMO head Vinscent Gahol noted that further damage reports from local government units are still expected.

Acting Gov. Roland Ruga confirmed that the province enacted Resolution No. 7276-2024, declaring a state of calamity in eight towns: Puerto Galera, Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, Pola, Pinamalayan, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.

Ruga said the effects of the storm were felt as early as Oct. 22, prompting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) to recommend a calamity state declaration based on initial reports submitted by the PDRRMO on Oct. 25.

PDRRMO data showed that 128 villages across these towns were significantly affected, impacting 8,248 families, or 34,769 individuals.

In Calapan and nearby areas, agricultural losses alone were estimated at P135.72 million.

The storm also resulted in crop yield reductions –  50.85 percent for rice, 31.66 percent for corn, and 67.24 percent for high-value crops.