‘Luis’ damages P12.6M in agriculture in Ilocos Norte

LC preps for ‘Luis’. Members of the Laoag City Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council prepare the rubber boats in case of emergency during the height of typhoon “Luis” after typhoon signal no. 3 was raised over the province on Sept. 14. Just days later, typhoon “Mario” slammed the province and with the early preparation, the city’s disaster officials quickly went into action. (Doms dela Cruz)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—Owing to strong winds and heavy rainfall brought about by typhoon “Luis” [international name Kalmaegi], a total of P12.6 million estimated damages in agriculture was recorded in Ilocos Norte, affecting mostly rice farmers who are about to harvest in the next two weeks.

Provincial Agriculturist Norma Lagmay said most of the affected towns are from the northern towns of the province mostly in Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Bacarra and Piddig with vast areas of irrigated rice lands.

Records from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said, about 11 million pesos worth of damages account for most of the typhoon damages, next to corn and high value crops, including a minimal damage in fisheries and infrastructure.

Compared to previous typhoons, Lagmay said the province is lucky that typhoon “Luis” left Ilocos Norte with minimal damages despite stern warnings and satellite imagery putting Ilocos Norte as signal number 3. She said immediate rehabilitation efforts to affected farmers are now underway.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has recommended the purchase of at least 20 units generator sets and satellite phones to strengthen local government units resiliency efforts during natural calamities.

While Ilocos Norte has recorded zero casualty and minimal damage in agriculture and infrastructure, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said a continuous drill on resiliency will continue among identified vulnerable areas here.

 “We remain on alert level but it is no longer on red alert as we expect to experience effect of southern moon soon and fall out of habagat. Kailangan manmanan lang natin ang dagat kung may storm surge although the likelihood of that is less and less,” Ms. Marcos said.

“We are grateful that we got away this time but it doesn’t mean na lagi tayong maswerte so we keep preparing and praying,” she ended.