Manila: Combined agriculture and infrastructure damage caused by several tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon (habagat) has amounted to PHP15.5 billion, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NDRRMC detailed that agricultural damage alone was estimated at approximately PHP4.37 billion. This damage was documented primarily in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Cordillera, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. The calamities have impacted around 98,836 farmers and fisherfolk, with the total affected crop area covering about 81,305.09 hectares. Out of these, 57,379.59 hectares are considered capable of recovery, whereas 23,926.31 hectares are deemed beyond recovery.

In terms of infrastructure, the damage was nearly PHP11.14 billion, with significant losses recorded in the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in 44 reported fatalities, 18 injuries, and five individuals reported missing. The destruction also encompassed numerous residential structures, with 604 houses completely destroyed and approximately 3,768 more sustaining damage.

The NDRRMC continues to monitor the situation closely, as efforts are underway to provide assistance and resources to the affected communities, aiming to expedite recovery and reconstruction efforts in the devastated regions.