Typhoon, rain cause nearly NT$1.6 billion in agricultural losses

Taipei, July 9 (CNA) Agricultural losses from Typhoon Danas and subsequent heavy rainfall have reached nearly NT$1.6 billion (US$49.2 million), according to the Ministry of Agriculture in a press release on Wednesday.

Chiayi County and Tainan were the hardest hit, with combined damage exceeding NT$1 billion -- accounting for over 65 percent of total losses -- the ministry said.

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, total losses were estimated at NT$1.598 billion, covering crops, livestock, fisheries and private agricultural facilities.

Chiayi County reported losses of NT$603.6 million (38 percent), followed by Tainan with NT$471.3 million (29 percent). Yunlin County lost NT$301.3 million (19 percent), while Changhua County, Pingtung County, and Kaohsiung also reported damage.

Crop losses alone totaled NT$1.071 billion, with around 13,822 hectares affected, according to the ministry.

The most heavily damaged crop was pomelo, with 926 hectares impacted and a 77 percent damage rate, resulting in NT$210 million in losses. Other affected crops included bananas, bamboo shoots, oranges and tangerines.

Livestock losses were estimated at NT$30.4 million, mainly from the deaths of 346,000 chickens. Pigs, geese and cattle were also affected.

Fishery losses reached NT$183.8 million, mostly involving oysters. Forestry losses were minimal, at NT$300,000, mainly due to damaged bamboo shoots.

The ministry announced cash relief and low-interest loans for affected areas on Tuesday.