Typhoon Paolo leaves 9 people dead, trail of destruction in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local government of Zamboanga said 9 people had died and three others injured, and over 21,000 were affected by typhoon Paolo which devastated much of the city’s agricultural lands and fishery areas.

Weather experts said the typhoon is now heading to Japan, but a new low pressure area has developed in central Philippines and is now affecting some parts of the southern region.

Damage to crops and fisheries have reached nearly P166 million and another P20 million in infrastructure damage in 23 villages. Some 2,499 farmers and fishermen were directly affected by weeklong heavy rains. Storm surge also destroyed dozens of houses in coastal villages.

Classes in all levels had been suspended since October 16 with the local government placing Zamboanga under state of calamity to hasten the release of funds.

The City Agricultural Office released the breakdown for the damaged areas and their total value including number of farmers affected as follows: Rice – 367.6 hectares, value: P24.241 million affecting 337 farmers; Corn – 266.2 hectares, value: P10.851 million affecting 181 farmers; assorted vegetables – 393.5 hectares, value: P78.517 million affecting 573 farmers; Banana – 8 hectares, value: P406,738 affecting 43 farmers; seaweeds – 687.8 hectares, value: P18.540 million affecting 1,082 farmers; Fishpond – 928.2 hectares, value: 23.045 million affecting 282 farmers and rubber - .2 hectares. 

Of the 98 villages here, it said 23 were hardest hit by heavy rains, flash floods and storm surge and these were Ayala, Calarian, Campo Islam, Labuan, Limpapa, Maasin, Patalon, Sinunuc, Talisayan, San Jose Gusu, Villa Sta. Maria, Tugbungan, Tetuan, Boalan, Mangusu, Vitali, Tumaga, San Roque, Licomo, Tictapul, Taluksangay and Pamucutan. 

At least while 88 houses were totally destroyed and 197 partially damaged as a result of the flash floods and storm surge incidents, according to the City Social Welfare and Development. Social workers continue Saturday relief operations in the villages and evacuation centers. Local radio stations E-Media, Radio Mindanao Network and Brigada also launched their own relief efforts to help those displaced by the typhoon. Local newspapers and television news flashed video and photos of politicians distributing relief goods to residents displaced by the typhoon. (Mindanao Examiner)

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