Monsoon rains, 'Helen' leave P3.1 B in property damage

MANILA, Philippines - The combined amount of property damage caused by the monsoon rains and tropical storm “Helen” has reached P3.1 billion while the death toll has risen to 118.

In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said property damage caused by the southwest monsoon has risen to P3.06 billion.

On the other hand, the Office of Civil Defense in Ilocos said the property damage from tropical storm “Helen” has risen to P57.5 million.

The figure, however, could still rise as the council is still awaiting reports from field units in other areas affected by the storm.

The southwest monsoon damaged P2.4 billion worth of agricultural products and P652.36 million worth of infrastructure.

Helen, on the other hand, damaged P8.4 billion worth of fishery commodities and P346 million worth of agro-fishery facilities. It also left P48.79 million in palay and corn losses.

The data only covered the Ilocos region and did not include the amount of damaged infrastructure, which was still unavailable. 

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau yesterday advised fishermen in northern and central Luzon not to venture into the sea due to big waves associated with the surge of the southwest monsoon.

It said “rough to very rough” seas will affect northern and central Luzon, particularly the Ilocos provinces, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan in the next 24 hours.

Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said “generally sunny, fair weather” is expected in the long weekend ahead.

Montejo said a weak southwest monsoon will be the dominant weather system affecting the entire country in the next five days. – With Helen Flores, Raymund Catindig