‘Ineng’s’ damage on agriculture, infrastructure exceeds P1 billion

FOGGY FURY Volunteers clear the road of trees toppled by Typhoon “Ineng” (international name: Goni) in Barangay Guisad, Baguio City. FILE PHOTO BY RICHARD BALONGLONG/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

Loss in agriculture and infrastructure due to Typhoon Ineng (Goni) has exceeded P1 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In a report, an estimated cost of P1,088,761,072.82 worth of damage to infrastructure and agriculture was reported in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Cordillera.

Damage of P552,370,364.09 was recorded in infrastructure while P536,390,708.73 was recorded in agriculture.

The NDRRMC recorded 26 deaths in Mountain province, Kalinga, Abra, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, and Ilocos Sur. Most of the fatalities were from landslides.

There were additional casualties that were reported. Ricardo Gadangen, 56, from Bontoc, Mt. Province, and Neil Kayangeo, 33, from Bontoc, both died from drowning.

Nardo Mocnangan, 45, from Mankayan, Benguet, who was reportedly missing, was killed due to landslide. Meanwhile, Francisco Castro, 17, of Tuao, Cagayan, who was reportedly missing last August 22, was found on Wednesday morning.

There were 22 reported injured and 14 are still missing in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Benguet, and Zambales.

The typhoon which battered Northern Luzon last week prompted 299,938 persons or 67,510 families to evacuate in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabrzon, and Cordillera.

Of these, 11,915 persons or 2,966 families are still in evacuation centers.

The heavy rains dumped by the typhoon also destroyed 2,818 houses (143 in total and 2,765 partially). Frances Mangosing/JE