The total damage caused by Tropical Storm Kristine in Oriental Mindoro has reached approximately P225.8 million pesos, with the agricultural sector bearing the brunt of the devastation at P223.2 million, according to a comprehensive situation report released Saturday by the provincial government.

The total damage estimate of P225.85 million encompasses agricultural losses, infrastructure damage, and housing destruction, with the agricultural sector accounting for nearly 99% of the total cost.

Provincial authorities continue their comprehensive assessment of the damage while coordinating relief efforts across all affected areas, focusing on immediate assistance to displaced families and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s 11 a.m. assessment revealed that the severe tropical storm has affected 8,325 families or 35,151 individuals across nine municipalities and 80 barangays in the province.

Typhoon Kristine has forced 357 families to evacuate their homes, with 283 families (1,005 individuals) taking shelter in designated evacuation centers, while 74 families (325 individuals) have sought refuge with relatives or in makeshift shelters outside official evacuation sites.

Flooding has impacted 12 barangays across four municipalities, with Victoria reporting four affected barangays, Socorro and Naujan each with three, and Pola with two.

The heavy rains also triggered landslides in two locations: San Cristobal, Victoria, and Mabuhay, Socorro.

Infrastructure damage has been documented across several areas, including road damage in Pola, Socorro, and Puerto Galera.

Naujan reported damage to 10 electric power poles and solar street lights, while Puerto Galera experienced damage to two walkways and a protection wall.

The storm’s fury has also left 472 houses damaged, with 43 totally destroyed and 429 partially damaged, adding approximately P2.57 million to the total damage cost.

Despite the extensive impact, critical lifelines remain largely functional throughout the province.

Power utilities in Calapan City, Puerto Galera, Mansalay, and Bulalacao continue to operate, while telecommunications and water services report no interruptions.

All roads and bridges remain passable, and maritime operations have resumed normal schedules at all ports across Oriental Mindoro.

The provincial disaster management office maintains active communication lines through their operations division, providing round-the-clock assistance to affected communities.

“We are continuously monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance to affected residents,” the provincial government said.

Meanwhile, the disaster management office can be reached at 0948-146-0382 or 0920-951-3690, and via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Photo credit: Department of Agriculture and PIO Oriental Mindoro