Cyclones and Monsoon Cause Over P11 Million in Farm Damage
La Union agriculture sector suffers heavy losses across multiple towns following storms
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The PDRRMO said the agricultural sector took a hit of at least PHP 11.1 million in initial damages in La Union, due to Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon, the PNA reports.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) based the estimate on initial reports from Agoo, Bauang, Pugo, Bagulin, Naguilian, and San Gabriel. At least 411 farmers were affected, with damage recorded across 472.37 hectares of farmland, while losses among fisherfolk remain under verification.
Data from the PDRRMO highlighted specific breakdown of losses:
- Vegetables: More than PHP 7.5 million
- Fruits: More than PHP 2 million
- Rice: PHP 947,846
- Irrigation facilities: PHP 300,000
- Fisheries: PHP 295,110
- Root crops: PHP 2,600
The severe weather affected 5,547 families or 16,545 individuals across 169 barangays in 17 municipalities. A total of 40 flooding incidents occurred across Bauang, Agoo, Bangar, Santo Tomas, Naguilian, and San Fernando City.
In response, provincial authorities distributed 2,900 food packs to 16 affected local government units while continuing to consolidate damage reports. Currently, 788 families (2,246 individuals) are temporarily housed in 61 evacuation centers, while 531 families (1,655 individuals) are sheltering outside official centers.
Residential infrastructure was also affected, with 13 houses damaged across San Fernando City, Agoo, Bauang, Caba, Naguilian, and Santo Tomas, while two houses were completely destroyed in Bauang and Naguilian.
SOURCE: PNA
