Negros Oriental has recorded close to P2.2 billion in losses in the agricultural sector caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette on Dec. 16.
A report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office said the grand total production loss was pegged at P2.183 billion, with 92,776 farmers affected.
Based on a report from the Provincial Agriculturist Office, the typhoon destroyed 7,386.5 hectares of rice fields (P250 million); 5,957 hectares of corn (P199.5 million); 20,018,805 hectares of high-value crops (P903 million); 80,484 heads of livestock (P153 million); and fisheries (facilities and equipage, P673 million).
Meanwhile, the number of fatalities rose to 76 from 73 last week. Some 102 people were injured, while 15 are still missing.
Many areas still have little or no electricity, especially in the upland barangays, due to toppled poles, power lines, and trees.
Electric cooperatives from Tarlac and Zambales have deployed their linemen here in the Province to help in the restoration of power in the typhoon-hit areas.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperatives I and II are also working overtime to reenergize areas.
The towns of Jimalalud, La Libertad, and Manjuyod have zero electricity, while areas that have little power are Guihulngan City, which is three percent energized; Bais City, five percent; Pamplona, 6.25 percent; Mabinay, 9.3 percent; Bindoy, 22.72 percent; Ayungon, Tayasan, and Bayawan City, 25 percent; Vallehermoso, 26.6 percent; and San Jose, 42 percent.
The rest of the towns and cities have been energized by at least 50 percent, while this capital city of Dumaguete has 100-percent power restoration.
As of Monday, partially damaged houses totaled 55,992, with 28,313 in the 1st District; 15,305 in the 2nd District; and 12,374 in the 3rd District.
Totally-damaged houses were pegged at 14,177, with 7,763 in the 1st District; 4,435 in the 2nd District; and 1,979 in the 3rd District.
Food packs, hygiene kits, jerry cans, and medicines were distributed to the typhoon-hit areas by the provincial government, the Department of Health, and the Provincial Health Office.
The Department of Education reported damage to its infrastructure such as instructional and non-instructional rooms.
The Department of Health reported damage to some of its barangay health stations, mostly in Bais City, while the Department of Public Works & Highways and the Provincial Engineer’s Office also reported damage to infrastructures such as roads, bridges, river-control, and shoreline protection.
All major roads are now passable but some interior roads are still impassable.
Relief efforts by the government, NGOs, and the private sector continue to date, said Adrian Sedillo, PDRRMO chief.
Gov. Roel Degamo, in a press statement on Dec. 29, called on the different organizations and individuals involved in humanitarian efforts to coordinate with local officials and other authorities to avoid untoward incidents during the conduct of relief operations.
“This is not to curtail your right to choose your target beneficiaries but this is for your own safety,” he said.
With more individuals and institutions volunteering in the post-typhoon Odette response efforts, there is a need for a coordinated action for orderly relief efforts, Degamo added. (PNA)
