NDRRMC: Monsoon rains leave P2.8-B damage in agri, infra

SWOLLEN Ilang-Ilang River in Cavite province overflows amid heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Josie.” —RICHARD A. REYES

Monsoon rains enhanced by the last three tropical cyclones that battered Luzon and Visayas have left over P2 billion worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday.

As of July 30, the NDRRMC said the rains since early July caused P2.8 billion worth of destruction over Ilocos region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and Cordillera region.

The NDRRMC said the monsoon rains cost P2.2 billion to agriculture while P629 million to infrastructure.

Central Luzon’s agriculture was badly hit with an estimated of P1.2 billion worth of damage.

Rains from tropical storms Henry, Inday, and Josie, triggered nonstop monsoon rains that affected thousands of people in Luzon and Visayas.

Official death toll stood at 13.

Some 510,914 persons or 120,446 families remained at evacuation centers, the government said.

The weather bureau said they have not monitored any potential storm in the next few days but the southwest monsoon will continue to affect the western section of Luzon.   /kga