Typhoon Uwan has inflicted severe damage on the agricultural heartland of Central Luzon, with initial estimates placing losses at close to P200 million, according to a recent bulletin from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
Initial Damage Assessment Reveals Heavy Losses
The RDRRMC report, released on Thursday, November 13, detailed the extensive financial impact. The total damage to the agriculture sector is currently estimated at P199,947,244.80. This figure is broken down into two major components. Crop losses account for P29,547,244.80, while damage to critical irrigation infrastructure is significantly higher at P170,400,000.
Breakdown of Provincial Impact
The typhoon's fury was felt across three major provinces, impacting the livelihoods of 1,119 farmers and fishermen. A province-by-province analysis shows the following losses:
- Bulacan: Recorded the highest crop damage with P26,856,809.00 in rice, P57,000.00 in corn, and P7,000.00 in livestock.
- Nueva Ecija: Suffered P1,021,875.00 in rice damage and P788,726.80 in corn losses. Crucially, the province's irrigation system sustained massive damage valued at P170,400,000.00.
- Pampanga: Reported rice losses amounting to P815,834.00.
Ongoing Efforts and Regional Impact
Local officials have emphasized that the damage assessment and validation process is still ongoing. This means the current figures, already staggering, may still change as authorities determine the full extent of the devastation Typhoon Uwan left in Central Luzon. The widespread damage to irrigation systems poses a long-term threat to the region's agricultural productivity, potentially affecting future planting seasons.
