Days after the severe flooding that affected multiple areas in the island of Samar, the full extent of its damage finally comes into view. The effects of illegal logging in its dense forested areas and the outright destruction of the environment by mining companies have started to take their toll. Unfortunately, it's not those who benefit the most who were affected, but the poor people in the communities.
According to the Department of Agriculture, damage and losses in the province of Samar have accumulated to P104.96 million as of their latest data. The weather disturbances have affected 4,571 farmers tilling 2,751 hectares of land in three Samar provinces.
Among its produce, rice posted the biggest loss at P84.50 million, followed by high-value crops at P9.21 million, bananas at P3.91 million, livestock at P2.48 million, and corn at P1.29 million.
While all three provinces of Samar experienced flooding, it was the province of Northern Samar that suffered the most with the highest reported damage in rice production which was at about 1,357 hectares involving around 1,452 farmers.
“Rice cropping season for these areas starts in November this year and is targeted to end by May 2024. It is estimated that the planting will peak by January 2024. However, with this present situation said planting calendar will be modified and will be moved to give way to rehabilitation due to damages,” the Department of Agriculture regional office stated.
The agriculture department has vowed to provide free rice seeds to affected farmers from four regions spared by flooding brought about by the low pressure area and shear line. Farmers are also encouraged to immediately report their losses to their respective municipal or city agriculture offices for immediate validation and inclusion in the reports.
Education
Meanwhile, 647 classrooms in the three Samar provinces were reported to be damaged, leaving over 137,000 students displaced.
Northern Samar still recorded the highest damage with 544 classrooms hit by floods and 43 others destroyed by landslides, while Eastern Samar had at least 44 classrooms damaged and 16 others destroyed.
The Department of Education also confirmed a total of 42,798 school equipment and books to have been washed away by the flood in the three provinces.
Northern Samar reported 42,329 pieces of damaged equipment which include armchairs, computers, and textbooks. The province of Samar has 417 damaged school equipment while 52 school equipment were ruined in Eastern Samar.
Due to the extent of the damage, Non-Government organizations and local government units are still sending help and coming up with ways to provide aid to the affected families.
An eye opener
If the extent of the damage in properties and agriculture is not enough, perhaps the recorded four deaths— all from Northern Samar should be enough as a wake-up call not just for the local residents but for the local leaders as well.
Environmental action should be taken seriously and religiously to avoid the repeat of the massive flooding. To avoid another super typhoon Yolanda that would take thousands of lives as a consequence of the greed of those in power, the nonchalant behavior of the locals and the lack of teeth of the laws that were made and are supposed to be implemented for the welfare of the people.
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