By Christine Fabro
Cyclone-hit areas in Eastern Visayas were left with at least P179.57 million worth of damage and losses on rice, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Wednesday (Sept. 8).
According to the initial assessment of DA, severe tropical storm “Jolina” affected about 61,828 farmers when it made four landfalls in the vicinity of Eastern Visayas between Sept. 6 and Sept. 7.
Data showed that the total land area affected by Jolina was 52,609 hectares (ha).
Besides Eastern Visayas, the Bicol Region and Mimaropa were largely affected by “Jolina,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in a Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday.
NDRRMC Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said rescue operations on stranded fishermen were reported in Samar Province.
“May mga lugar dito sa Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) na mayroong ongoing rescue operations. Mayroong 12 fishermen ang naiulat na na-rescue sa Sto. Niño, Samar Province at mayroon pang pinaghahanap na limang mangingisda na sila’y naabutan ng bagyo na nasa laot pa lamang,” Jalad said.
As of Sept. 8 morning, Jalad confirmed that there were no casualties reported due to the tropical cyclone Jolina.
The NDRRMC has also advised the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures as the tropical cyclone continues to bring heavy rainfall and destructive winds to areas of Luzon and Visayas. – bny
