Bacolod City – The value of the damage to crops, fisheries, and livestock brought about by the inclement weather triggered by Tropical Cyclone Kristine in Negros Occidental has increased further to P4.2 million, along with displacing 1,839 families, as of October 25, according to reports of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (PDRRMC).
The agricultural sector incurred initial losses valued at P3,221,433, affecting 206 farmers planting rice, corn, and high value crops in 152.82 hectares, while fisheries suffered P575,930 in damage, and livestock at P419,578.
Two fishermen, identified as Edwin Hinojales and Joren Parochel, were also reported missing, after they went fishing in the territorial waters of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Oct. 24.
Early Hinojales, the sister of Edwin, sought the help of the Philippine Coast Guard and rescue groups to help find her missing brother and his companion.
Of the displaced residents of Negros Occidental in 18 affected local government units, 791 families, composed of 2,715 persons, remain in evacuation centers, while others are staying outside evacuation centers.
Strong winds and big waves also toppled six houses in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City, while a tornado uprooted several trees in the mountainous barangay of Patag in Silay City, Negros Occidental, damaging several houses.
The PDRRMC also reported destruction of 32 houses, while 286 others were partially damaged.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office also reported that 189 individuals are staying at the Mahimulaton Evacuation Center in Bacolod City.
The Philippine Coast Guard, both in Negros Occidental and Iloilo, have lifted the suspension of voyage of all vessels and watercrafts plying both islands, although they were reminded to take precautionary measures.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed over-the-weekend that farmers whose crops were damaged by flash floods, especially those enrolled in the crop insurance program, may avail of financial assistance.
As of October 25, classes remained suspended in almost all 32 local government units in Negros Occidental.
Damage to schools in Don Salvador Benedicto was also reported valued at P150,000. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star)