DA to farmers: Harvest before Tropical Depression Kristine makes landfall

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday called on local farmers and fisherfolk to start harvesting crops as part of the preparations for Tropical Depression Kristine which is expected to reach typhoon level by Thursday evening.

In an advisory, the DA called on farmers and fisherfolk to harvest mature crops and mobilize post-harvest equipment and facilities, and relocate farm machinery, equipment, and other farm tools to higher ground.

It also advised farmers to secure seed reserves, planting materials, and other farm inputs in safe storage areas, and clear drainages in irrigation and rice paddies, along with securing the sufficient feeds and water for relocated animals.

Over 15 areas have been declared under Storm Signal No. 1, as Tropical Depression Kristine was last located 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph, moving west southward at 30 kph.

It is expected to intensify into a tropical storm in the next 12 hours, and may reach a severe tropical storm level by Wednesday, before reaching typhoon category by Thursday evening or Friday morning, prior to making landfall over the northeastern portion of Cagayan.

A number of local government units (LGUs) have declared class suspensions on Monday, in anticipation of inclement weather conditions due to Kristine.

National and local government units in northern Luzon have also started preparations, including those in Batan and Ilocos Norte which are still reeling from the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Julian. — BM, GMA Integrated News