The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has raised to nearly P55 million the combined damages in crops and livestocks due to massive flooding in North Negros.
In a detailed report released by OPA, it said that the agriculture sector was severely affected at P34.25 million, of which P19 million represents the rice sector. OPA said that over 800 hectares of rice fields in cities of Talisay, Silay, Cadiz, Sagay, and the towns of Manapla, Valladolid and Pontevedra were damaged.
Meanwhile, losses in the livestock industry stands at P5.14 million; P5.8 million in the fisheries sector and P8.2 million in high-value crops.
As of yesterday, January 14, a total of 4 local government units were placed under the state of calamity, with the town of EB Magalona as the latest to declare. The cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias had earlier declared a state of calamity.
The declaration of the state of calamity will enable LGUs to utilize its calamity fund to facilitate swift relief in flood-hit communities.
Latest figures from the Provincial Disaster Management division revealed that over 168,000 individuals were affected and 118 houses were damaged.
