Severe Tropical Storm Kristine causes P3.76 billion in agri damage

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) caused P3.76 billion in agricultural damage nationwide, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Rice suffered the most significant losses, with a production loss of 169,830 metric tons amounting to P3.20 billion, and initial crop loss estimates in Calabarzon reached PHP96.6 million, primarily affecting rice fields.

Corn sustained losses of P51.71 million, cassava P8.46 million, and high-value crops P408.09 million.

Livestock and poultry losses were valued at P6.90 million, while fisherfolk reported 66 metric tons of volume loss amounting to P11.20 million.

Agricultural infrastructure incurred P69.47 million in damages nationwide.

However, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 4-A (Calabarzon) reported that Kristine left about PHP124 million in damage specifically to vital irrigation infrastructure across their region, affecting 1,298 hectares of farmland and about 1,422 farmers.

Major structural damage in Calabarzon included the collapse of a retaining wall at the Sta. Cruz Dam, damage to canals in Cavite and Batangas, and issues with the Quipot Irrigation Project in Quezon.

The DA has provided P541.02 million in agricultural assistance to affected regions.