Monsoon to continue bringing rains

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will continue experiencing rains brought by the southwest monsoon following the recent exit of two tropical cyclones, according to the state weather bureau.

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast over Zambales and Bataan.

The Ilocos region may see occasional rains.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains are expected in Metro Manila, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Calabarzon and the rest of Central Luzon.

The Visayas, Mindanao and the rest of Luzon may experience isolated rains.

Authorities have recorded 23 casualties, 13 injured and 15 missing persons due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and the cyclones.

Affected Filipinos nationwide totaled 1,061,421, or 298,633 families, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday.

Most are in Central Luzon, with 354,926 people, or 113,141 families affected.

Damage to infrastructure reached P2.4 million and 1,243 houses were damaged.

Agricultural damage reached P107.42 million due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Ferdie, Gener and Helen, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.

Losses in 1,646 hectares of agricultural lands were reported, as well as a production loss of 4,749 metric tons, based on latest data from the DA Operations Center.

Rice production accounted for the bulk of the damage, with 92 percent, or P98.34 million covering 1,536 hectares and losses of 4,340 MT.

Corn production followed, recording P6.06 million in damage covering 91 hectares and production losses of 335 MT.

Damage to high-value crops amounted to P2.99 million, or 19 hectares and 74 MT of losses.

Livestock and poultry losses totaled P29,000.

At least 1,327 farmers were affected by flooding, the DA noted.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions to the affected farmers,” the agency said.

Price monitoring is being conducted for possible changes in the cost of agricultural commodities, the DA said.

Helen entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday and exited PAR on Wednesday.

In Negros Oriental, food shortages might be experienced in Canlaon City