Farmers at ‘Jolina’s’ path told to secure crops
THE Department of Agriculture has advised farmers at the path of tropical depression “Jolina” to harvest matured crops while the weather disturbance was moving westward over the Philippine Sea.
In an advisory, the DA also told the farmers to secure seed reserves, planting materials and other farm inputs while making it sure that animals are relocated to higher grounds.
In the latest weather update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that “Jolina” was located 205 kms. east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 230 kms. east-northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte while moving westward at 15 kph.
“Jolina” has intensified into a storm and made several landfalls in Samar and Masbate yesterday.
The DA advised farmers to also clear drainage in irrigation and rice paddies from obstructions to prevent flooding.
Fisherfolk are advised to also conduct early harvest and secure their fishing vessels in higher ground while discouraging them from sea travel as potentially rough conditions prevail over affected seaboards.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard said 1,946 passengers, drivers and cargo helpers were stranded in ports in Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions due to “Jolina.”
Some 60 residents in Ormoc City, Leyte were rescued due to rising waters brought by the typhoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised signal no. 3 over the northwestern portion of Samar ,extreme southern portion of Quezon, western portion of Albay, western portion of Sorsogon, and northern portion of Biliran.
Several other areas were placed under signals no. 2 and 1.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office urged the public to remain vigilant amid the typhoon. Joel dela Torre and Jane Eleda
