Flashfloods spoil P2.2M worth of crops, veggies

The City Agriculturist Office (CAO) has reported a total of P2.203 million worth of agricultural crops and vegetables were destroyed by the flashfloods following the heavy rains that inundated Zamboanga City Monday, April 5.

In her report to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez said hardest hit by the flashfloods were 28.90 hectares of farmlands in Vitali District and Sibulao in the east coast, affecting around 60 farmers.

The damage to crops included P373,560 of hybrid corn, P49,500 of hybrid rice and P63,000 of certified rice.

The spoiled vegetables were ampalaya worth P1.062 million, tomato worth P23,604, pechay- P13,050, mustard- P5,901, okra- P70,812, raddish- P119,200, cucumber- P100,317, cabbage- P264,000, and bell pepper amount to P59,010 for a total of 38.87 metric tons valued at P2,203,953.00. Recall, the city had experienced Orange Rainfall Warning on April 5 due to the low pressure area (LPA) in Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro, resulting in flashfloods in most low laying residential areas and farmlands.-(Vic Larato)