The province of Cagayan has experienced an estimated USD 23.94 million in agricultural damages due to a series of weather disturbances affecting Northern Luzon. Key agricultural commodities such as rice, corn, coconut, and bananas faced extensive losses, with approximately 30,900 residential structures also impacted by the calamities. The region was struck by Typhoon Julian (Krathon), Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami), Super Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey), and Typhoon Marce (Yinxing), starting from the last week of September.
Infrastructure including roads, bridges, and educational facilities sustained damage. Governor Manuel Mamba has called for support from the private sector, highlighting the depletion of the provincial government's quick response fund. Mamba emphasized the urgent need for assistance, pointing out the gap until the next planting season and the immediate lack of employment opportunities for the populace. Measures such as financial aid and the distribution of early maturing crops, which can be harvested within 45 days, are being implemented to support affected families.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to the municipality of Buguey, where he assured the ongoing distribution of family food packs to evacuation centers, was acknowledged by Mamba. Vincent Abadilla, a local farmer-entrepreneur, shared his personal losses due to the weather events, noting the destruction of his crops and home.
Currently, the towns of Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, and Claveria are experiencing a complete power outage, with significant damage to major power lines. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is conducting clearing operations and repairing a critical bridge in Barangay San Jose, Gonzaga, crucial for connecting to the municipality of Santa Ana, after its collapse due to soil erosion from Super Typhoon Ofel (Usagi).
Source: Philippine News Agency