MANILA, Philippines — Damage to agriculture in areas hit by Tropical Depression Usman climbed to P195.36 million as of Sunday afternoon. Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center showed that damage to rice crops alone is at P177.4 million, state-run Philippine News Agency reported. Meanwhile, damage to corn has reached P976,267 with volume production loss of 11 metric tons in Albay, Camarines Sur and Masbate. Damage to high-value crops, such as fruit trees, assorted vegetables and root crops, is at P16.97 million with 1,132 metric tons volume production loss. A total of 428 hectares and 1,277 farmers of high-value crops have been affected in Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon.

Source: Philippine Star December 31, 2018 04:30 UTC