LEGAZPI CITY—Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has initially caused over P38.7 million in damage to agriculture and infrastructure across the Bicol region, as heavy flooding continues to impact several areas.
Lovella Guarin, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture Bicol, reported an initial assessment as of Thursday (Oct. 24), showing at least P29.4 million in losses across 512 hectares of rice and corn farms in Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Camarines Sur.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Bicol farmers, fisherfolk suffer ‘severe losses’ due to storms
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO DBM OKs earlier release of gov’t workers’ yearend bonus, cash gift NEWSINFO Tropical Storm Kong-rey to enter PAR on Sunday, to be named Leon NEWSINFO Kristine death toll hits over 40 as damage widensGuarin noted that these figures are expected to rise, as many local government units remain flooded.
The department has prepositioned rice and corn seeds, livestock biologics, and other agricultural supplies to assist affected farmers.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Office of Civil Defense Bicol also reported preliminary infrastructure damage exceeding P9.3 million in Masbate and Catanduanes.
Article continues after this advertisementMany roads and bridges remain impassable due to severe flooding and landslides.
As of Friday morning, 788 villages, primarily in Albay and Camarines Sur, were still submerged. Floodwaters in 65 villages in Sorsogon have started to recede. INQ
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