RECOVERING LOSSES. Farmers in Jipapad, Eastern Samar dry unhusked rice soaked by massive flood brought by Typhoon Ambo. Total value of losses in the agriculture sector due to "Ambo" (international name Vongfong) in the Samar provinces is now pegged at PHP7.13 million, according to the partial damage report of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday (May 19, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Eastern Samar provincial government)
TACLOBAN CITY – Total value of losses in the agriculture sector left by Typhoon Ambo (international name Vongfong) has been pegged at PHP7.13-million, based on the partial damage report of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The initial data gathered over the weekend included the towns of Dolores, Maslog and San Julian in Eastern Samar, and Catubig and San Isidro in Northern Samar, said Francis Rosaroso, DA Eastern Visayas information officer, in a statement on Tuesday.
Rice areas affected reached 20 hectares, 132 hectares for root crops, a combined area of 132 hectares for other crops, and 79 livestock mortality.
“We are still awaiting reports from other heavily affected areas, especially in the interior towns and villages made inaccessible due to landslides and floods. Once isolated areas have been reached out, concerned local government units vow to submit their report within this week,” Rosaroso said.
Based on available data, 663 farmers have been affected and are expected to increase as other damage reports are still under validation.
On May 14, the typhoon brought violent winds and heavy to intense rains over the northern portion of Eastern Samar and the southern portion of Northern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration.
The typhoon packed maximum winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 255 kph.
The hardest-hit areas are the towns of San Policarpo, Jipadpad, Arteche, Oras and Maslog in Eastern Samar, and Bobon, Laoang, Lope de Vega and Mondragon in Northern Samar. (PNA)
