DA: Initial agri damage in Karding-hit areas at P141.38M

Damage and losses to agriculture caused by Typhoon Karding (international name: Noru) were estimated at P141.38 million, based on initial estimates of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DA said the initial assessment covers 16,229 hectares of land in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon, as of 12 noon on Monday, September 26.

This translates to a volume of production loss of 5,866 metric tons (MT) of commodities such as rice, corn, and high value crops, affecting 740 farmers.

“These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by ‘Karding’,” the DA said.

In response, the DA said assistance is available to affected farmers and fisherfolk, including 133,240 bags of rice seeds; 5,729 bags of corn seeds; and 4,911 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds.

It also has drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry, and fingerlings and assistance through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The DA said it can also tap the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and P500-million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has allocated P1.1 billion for its disaster response and assistance to those hit by Typhoon Karding.

At least four areas were still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as of Monday morning, based on the 11 a.m. bulletin of the state weather bureau PAGASA.

The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday evening.—AOL, GMA News