DA: No damage reported yet in agri-fisheries after Abra quake

The agriculture sector has not sustained damage so far following the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Abra on Wednesday morning, the Department of Agriculture said Thursday.

“To date, there are no reported damage and losses yet in the agriculture and fisheries commodities and infrastructures that could hamper the food supply system,” the DA said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (NDRRMC) reported that the number of injured people due to the earthquake grew to 131 while the number of fatalities remained at four

The NDRRMC reported that 19 roads are still not passable in Ilocos, Cagayan, and Cordillera. Five roads and five bridges previously reported as not passable are now passable.

Meanwhile, the DA said the effect of closure and partial closure of major roads in provinces of Benguet and Mt. Province may not have a significant effect on the delivery of agri-fishery goods to Metro Manila as the local government units and concerned agencies have immediately responded and conducted early clearing operations.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs (national government agencies), LGUs, and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of the phenomenon, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” the Agriculture department said.

The quake occurred at 8:43 a.m. on Wednesday and was located at 17.64°N, 120.63°E - 003 km N 45° W of Tayum in Abra and had a depth of 17 kilometers, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

It was felt strongly in many areas in Luzon, including in Metro Manila.

A total of 12,945 individuals or 3,456 families in 149 barangays in Cordillera were affected by the earthquake, the NDRRMC said.

It added that 541 families are staying inside 21 evacuation centers, while 567 individuals or 128 families are staying outside evacuation centers.

A total of 868 homes were damaged—857 partially and 11 totally—in Cordillera, according to the NDRRMC.—AOL, GMA News