Paeng death toll hits 158; P4.5 billion infrastructure damage

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng rose to 158 yesterday, with 34 still missing.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said damage to infrastructure ballooned to more than P4.514 billion.

The NDRRMC said Bicol incurred the heaviest damage at P739.3 million.

The Philippine Army said it continues to provide manpower and logistics assistance for various disaster relief operations in provinces affected by Paeng.

Soldiers are helping deliver and distribute help to thousands who remain in evacuation centers.

In the agriculture sector, damage climbed to P3.41 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Latest data from the DA showed the typhoon affected 89,142 farmers and fishers, with 89,011 hectares of agricultural land affected in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Soccsksargen.

Damage to the rice sector was placed at P2.05 billion; high-value crops, P717.68 million; corn, P205.1 million; agriculture facilities, P192.15 million, and fisheries, P201.7 million.

The DA said it has prepared various forms of assistance, such as P1.74 billion worth of rice seeds, P11.57 million corn seeds, P20.01 million assorted vegetable seeds as well as animal heads, drugs and biologics and fingerlings to affected farmers, fisherfolk and livestock and poultry raisers.

Meanwhile, President Marcos led yesterday the distribution of various assistance to residents of Antique affected by Paeng.

Prior to the distribution of relief aid, the President, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo conducted an aerial inspection of the damage caused by the storm.

Marcos led the turnover of financial assistance worth P177.46 million, palay seeds amounting to P13 million and 60 units of 30-footer fiber-reinforced plastic boats with marine engine.

Gov. Rhodora Cadiao received the check and certificates of award.

Paeng has affected 523 barangays in 18 towns in Antique. – Danessa Rivera, Jennifer Rendon