Strong winds destroy banana plantations

KIDAPAWAN CITY  , Philippines  —  Strong winds amid heavy rains flattened banana farms in this city on Thursday.

City agriculturist Marisa Aton said banana plantations in 15 areas were affected. Initial damage was pegged at P5 million.

Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said he would ask the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. to hasten the release of assistance to affected plantation owners.

On Tuesday, around 200 houses were destroyed when a tornado hit Tacurong City. Rice, corn and sugarcane farms were also damaged.