In the wake of four devastating typhoons that have ravaged Northern Luzon since late September, Cagayan province is grappling with an estimated P1.4 billion in agricultural losses. The typhoons, named Julian (Krathon), Kristine (Trami), Leon (Kong-rey), and Marce (Yinxing), have left a trail of destruction, wiping out major crops such as rice, corn, coconut, and bananas, and damaging around 30,900 homes.
The aftermath has been severe, with debris scattered across the province, as seen in images from November 15, 2024. Infrastructure has also been hit hard, with numerous roads, bridges, and schools suffering damage. Governor Manuel Mamba has called on the private sector for assistance, noting that the provincial government’s quick response fund is nearly depleted.
Mamba highlighted the dire situation between now and the next planting season, as there are no crops left to harvest, leaving many without work for the next three months. To mitigate the crisis, the government is providing financial assistance and distributing early maturing crops that can be harvested in just 45 days.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Buguey on November 10, promising continued support through the distribution of family food packs to those in evacuation centers. Local farmer-entrepreneur Vincent Abadilla from Alcala shared his personal loss, stating that all his crops were destroyed and his home’s roofing torn off by the relentless weather disturbances. He managed to save some of his goats but lamented the added hardship brought by the floods.
The towns of Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, and Claveria remain without power due to severe damage to major power lines. Several roads and bridges are still impassable due to flooding and damage to their approaches. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently working on clearing operations and restoring a bridge in Barangay San Jose, Gonzaga, which connects to Santa Ana, after its approach collapsed due to soil erosion from heavy rains caused by Super Typhoon Ofel (Usagi).