Typhoon Ruby destroys P202M worth of crops in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Typhoon Ruby (international codename: Hagupit) caused over P200 million worth of damage to agriculture when it passed through the Bicol region, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) director Bernardo Alejando said Monday, December 8.  

A total of 8,111 hectares of farmlands were destroyed, incurring damage of P202.885 million, Alejandro said. 

Of the farmlands affected, 7,362 hectares were ricefields. The Bicol RDRRMC provided this breakdown of agricultural damage in the region: 

• 7,362.01 hectares of rice amounting 16,888.66 metric tons worth P176,255,198.85
• 644 hectares of corn worth P18,562,600.00
• 105 hectares of high-value crops worth P8,036,250.00
• P31,250.00 worth of livestock

Camarines Sur and Albay were the most affected provinces. Here’s the breakdown of damage per province: 

• Camarines Sur – 2,247 hectares equivalent to P66,608.715,00
• Albay – 2,422.50 hectares of ricefields equivalent to P51,295,886.00
• Catanduanes – 1,072 hectares of ricefileds equivalent to P30,880,277.85 
• Masbate – 1,094.40 hectares equivalent to P26,026,620.00
• Sorsogon- 526 hectares of ricefields equivalent to P1,443,700.00

The threat of landslides and the possible eruption of two active volcanoes in the region had raised fears of a “complex” disaster in the region ahead of the onslaught of Ruby in the region.

Although landslides were reported in the island province of Catanduanes, there were no reported deaths.

Ruby, however, claimed one life in Iriga City – 18-day old Justice Canezo from Zone 6, San Nicolas village, in Iriga City. He died due to hypothermia.

Assessments, assistance 

In weather permits on Tuesday, December 9, Bicol RDRRMC officials are set to fly to Masbate, where Ruby made its 2nd landfall, to assess the damage.

Alejandro said an aerial assessment of Bicol provinces is also set to be conducted.  

The military and the municipal disaster office in Albay are working together to remove the volcanic debris from the Mayon Volcano that isolated several villages in the town of Guinobatan, according to Colonel Raul Farnacio of the Army’s 901^st Infantry Brigade.

Commodore Aurelo Rabusa, commander of the Southern Luzon Naval Forces, told the media the military is also ready to send help to affected areas in Eastern Samar, which bore the brunt of Ruby just a year after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). – Rappler.com