Tropical cyclones Kristine, Leon cause P6B damage

The damage caused by tropical cyclones Kristine and Leon has risen to nearly P6 billion as of Monday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Agricultural losses attributed to Kristine alone now amount to P5.75 billion, with rice subsector damage reaching P4.25 billion and affecting 111,411 farmers across 92,892 hectares.

Infrastructure damages were reported at P7.45 billion, while the death toll stands at 150 people, with 20 missing and 143 injured due to the storms.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P541 million worth of agricultural inputs for distribution in affected areas, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation is offering indemnification to insured farmers, totaling P667 million.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared November 4 as a Day of National Mourning, while various regions have declared states of calamity due to the impact of Kristine and Leon.