Cagayan PHP1.4B typhoon damage; Gov Mamba seeks aid

The province of Cagayan has recorded an initial PHP1.4 billion damage in agriculture following a series of weather disturbances that hit Northern Luzon since late September.

Major crops like rice, corn, coconut, and bananas have been destroyed along with around 30,900 homes after Typhoons Julian, Marce, and Super Typhoon Leon, as well as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine struck the region.

Governor Manuel Mamba appealed to the private sector for help, noting that the provincial government's quick response fund is running low and people are without work for the next three months.

Immediate provision of financial assistance and distribution of early maturing crops which can be harvested in 45 days have been implemented as stopgap measures to aid typhoon-affected families.

The towns of Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, and Claveria remain without power due to severe damage to major power lines, while several roads and bridges are still not passable due to flooding and approach damage.

Clearing operations and restoration work on a damaged bridge in Barangay San Jose, Gonzaga town, which connects to the municipality of Santa Ana, is now ongoing following soil erosion caused by heavy rains from Super Typhoon Ofel.