Bad weather agriculture damage hits P1.1 billion

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains spawned by low-pressure areas, the shear line and northeast monsoon or amihan since Jan. 1 has reached P1.1 billion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In a report released yesterday, the NDRRMC said Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were affected by the weather systems.

The death toll has increased to 45. Eleven other persons were injured while seven remain missing.

The NDRRMC said 518,625 families or 2,138,567 people were affected by the weather disturbances.

A total of 4,452 families or 9,695 people were displaced as 1,891 houses were damaged.

The NDRRMC said damage to infrastructure was placed at P521.9 million.

Twenty-eight roads and 10 bridges remain impassable to all types of vehicles.

Three areas were affected by power interruptions and five others by water supply cut.

Three provinces and 20 towns and cities were placed under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by the bad weather.