17 Cebu highland barangays in state of calamity due to cold spell

Some mountain barangays in the Cebu City highlands have been placed under a state of calamity as the cold weather continues to inflict damage to agricultural crops in the area.

According to the city government, 17 of the 31 barangays in the highlands are affected by the cold spell, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.



Crops affected by the cold weather include cucumber, tomato, eggplant, corn, and lettuce.  Initially, damage estimate was pegged at P1 million, with a total of 345 hectares of farmland being compromised.

Data from the city agriculture department also show that 36 farm animals have died due to the chilly weather.

The city's Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries department has advised residents to put farm animals in closed areas to protect them from cold winds, even as the city health department continues to monitor the condition of residents there.

Part of the city's calamity fund will be used to help residents in the affected barangays, the city government said. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino /LBG/KG, GMA News