At least 19 dead due to storms, monsoon – NDRRMC

CLEARING. Rescuers gather in Antipolo City on August 9, to retrieve a delivery rider covered by a fallen tree and utility pole. Jun-Andeng Ynares At least 7,000 farmers are affected, while 5,000 hectares of farmland, or 85% of the affected area, are unlikely to recover MANILA, Philippines – At least 19 people died due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, Tropical Depression Luis and Tropical Storm Maymay (Kujira), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Tuesday, August 11. Twelve of the recorded deaths were in Benguet, due to landslides. Four people died in Rizal and three in Batangas. Fifteen people were injured and four were reported missing. So far, the government has provided P73.5 million in assistance. Antipolo City reported one fatality, a delivery rider who died after a tree and a Meralco utility pole fell on him. The city government has promised to assist the family through the wake and burial. Farmers reeling from continuous rain Meanwhile, the agriculture sector is dealing with at least P197.15 million in production value losses, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Tuesday. Areas adversely affected include Ilocos Region, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. Rice farmers were hit the hardest. The DA was preparing P106.5 million worth of agricultural inputs to help farmers as of Monday, August 10. “We need our people on the ground to move quickly so affected farmers can get the assistance they need, especially insurance claims and credit support,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Monday. “The faster we process these, the faster farmers can recover and get back to production.” At least 7,000 farmers were affected, while 5,000 hectares of farmland, or 85% of the affected area, are unlikely to recover. The Philippine Space Agency’s mapping on August 6 showed rice farms in La Union and Pangasinan flooded. Agoo, La Union, and Calasiao, Pangasinan also had several flood areas. MAP. The Philippine Space Agency mapped the extent of flooding in Region 1, August 6. Parts of the region are flooded due to the combined effects of Tropical Storm Maymay and the habagat. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading