Ofel damage to agriculture now at P9 million

The agricultural damage due to Tropical Depression Ofel reached P9.1 million on Thursday, according to a report of the Office of Civil Defense Region V.

Citing the Department of Agriculture Regional Office 5, the report showed that the initial estimate of P9,120,315 came from Masbate and Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMOs) in the region said six families or 29 people have been evacuated.

It also reported flooding in flood-prone areas in the region due to continuous moderate to heavy rains.

As of 7 p.m., the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 5 also reported landslides events in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Masbate.

The DPWH district offices as well as local government units conducted clearing operations as soon as the weather improved, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Bicol said all ports in Bicol have resumed their trips as of 8 a.m on Thursday. Yesterday, more than 300 persons were stranded in the Bicol Sea ports due to Ofel.

Ofel was last estimated at 275 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas with maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

A severe weather bulletin on Ofel is set to be issued at 11 p.m. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News