La union: Agriculture and infrastructure damage in La Union due to Typhoon Emong has breached the PHP1-billion mark, according to the latest situational report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The report, issued Thursday, detailed significant damages as of the previous night, with infrastructure damage amounting to PHP1.1 billion and agriculture damage reaching PHP145.6 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, Emong, which struck the country last week, also inflicted PHP4.7-million damage to livestock and poultry in La Union. The typhoon affected 71,026 families, translating to 215,097 individuals, across 414 barangays in areas including Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Luna, San Gabriel, Santol, Sudipen, Agoo, Aringay, Bagulin, Bauang, Burgos, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, Santo Tomas, Tubao, and San Fernando City. Although no casualties have been reported, Emong damaged 15,851 houses and destroyed 1,860 others.

The PDRRMO report also highlighted that electricity has been fully restored in Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Tubao, Pugo, Santo Tomas, and Rosario, while restoration is ongoing in other affected areas. In a statement on Thursday, Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega assured the prompt delivery of support and assistance to the affected residents, emphasizing the coordination with local chief executives to address the needs of affected constituents.

The severe impact of the typhoon led the provincial government to declare La Union under a state of calamity on July 26, through Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) Resolution 1410-2025. As of Wednesday, approximately 9,000 family food packs have been provided by the provincial government to support the relief operations of local government units (LGUs).

Governor Ortega, along with personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines, conducted an aerial inspection of the affected areas to evaluate the extent of Emong’s damage. He has tasked the Provincial Engineering Office to expedite assistance to LGUs in conducting clearing operations of debris, fallen trees, and damaged electric posts.