The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday said estimated agriculture damage caused by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has reached nearly PHP6.5 billion.

It said 10 regions in the country are now affected and these are the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

Bulk of the damage was reported in Cagayan Valley at almost PHP4.96 billion, followed by Cordillera, PHP934.9 million; Davao Region, PHP410.1 million; Zamboanga Peninsula, PHP95.8 million and Bicol Region, PHP37.48 million.

Central Visayas posted damages worth PHP22.77 million, followed by the Calabarzon, PHP19.7 million; Western Visayas, PHP14.58 million; Soccsksargen, PHP12.57 million, and Central Luzon, PHP1.88 million.

The NDRRMC said the total number of affected farmers and fisherfolk has now climbed to 215,386.

Total damaged crop area is estimated to be around 241,664. 95 hectares, of which 51,594.93 hectares are classified as totally damaged while 188,507.02 hectares are partially damaged.

LGU measures

As this develops, the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged local government units (LGUs) to strengthen preparedness against El Niño to protect critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted water and energy services.

Local governments are urged to expedite permits for emergency pipeline repairs and rehabilitation, enforce restrictions on non-essential water use and promote water recycling, rainwater harvesting and rainwater catchment systems.

For energy security, LGUs are called on to strengthen backup power systems and undertake advance fuel planning and stockpiling.

Hospitals, water supply systems, public schools, evacuation centers and government emergency operations and command centers must also have adequate backup power, water storage and resupply plans to sustain essential services. (PNA)