At least P4.087 million in agriculture was damaged in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Igme (Tembin), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Thursday.

 

In its 6 a.m. update, the NDRRMC also said it remains on blue alert even after Igme had exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility earlier this week.

 

NDRRMC head Benito Ramos earlier said a blue alert entails at least 50 percent of government forces should be at their posts at any time.

 

The NDRRMC said that as of Thursday, the damage to agriculture stood at P4,087,533.91.

 

It said this included P3,894,230.31 in damage to rice crops, P181,533.60 to papaya, and P11,770 to livestock.

 

Also, the NDRRMC cited reports from the Philippine National Police that Igme caused damages worth P370,000 to three villages in San Fernando in La Union.

 

The NDRRMC said Igme affected 1,259 families or 5,606 people in 41 villages in seven  towns and two cities in Ilocos.

 

It added the death toll remained at eight, while three remained missing and one was injured.

 

Only the Abra-Kalinga Road in Kalinga remained closed to traffic as of 11 p.m. Wednesday. –KG, GMA News