Isabela floods leave P825 million damage to agri-fisheries

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines — At least P825 million worth of agricultural and fishery products were destroyed by heavy rains and floods in Isabela last week.

Among those that incurred major damage were rice, corn and high-value crops, according to provincial agriculturist Marites Frogoso.

More than 65,000 hectares of agricultural lands were submerged under floodwaters as the water level in the Cagayan River rose.

The Provincial Veterinary Office has yet to estimate the damage on livestock.

Except for the four coastal municipalities of Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon and Palanan, the government has assessed the damage in 32 towns as well as in the capital city of Ilagan, which was  among areas severely affected by the flashfloods.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office placed the initial damage to infrastructure at P18 million. 

The damage report included roads, overflow bridges and communal irrigation facilities.

In northern Cagayan, the Department of Public Works and Highways said the Manila North road leading to Ilocos Norte in Sta. Praxedes town remained closed due to cracks.

Only light vehicles were allowed to pass through the road.

Clearing operations were ongoing as of yesterday afternoon.