Typhoon Odette agricultural damage soars to P2.2 billion

Agricultural damage and losses brought about by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) surged to P2.2 billion, according to the latest available data from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA said Odette-related damage and losses to agriculture stood at P2.2 billion as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, up from the P362.3 million at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 20.

The figure covers 62,215 metric tons and 51,182 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga regions.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries, impacting 33,389 farmers and fisherfolk, with the values still subject to validation.

“Food supply is stable in the regions Calabarzon, Northern Mindanao and other areas in Mimaropa and Caraga. However, problems in transport of food supply are reported in Batangas, Palawan, Surigao del Sur, and ports in Soccsksargen,” the DA said.

The DA added it will provide at least P1.75-billion worth of assistance to farmers and fishers affected, including P1 billion in quick response funds; P148-million worth of rice seeds; P500 million under the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program; P1.64-million worth of fingerlings; P625,150 worth of drugs and biologics; and funds under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

The Visayas and Mindanao regions have been severely hit by Odette which entered the  country last week. It left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday afternoon, after causing “total devastation” in areas under its path. —KG, GMA News