Super Typhoon Carina: Agricultural Devastation, Impact on Prices, Government Response and Support

Super Typhoon Carina

On July 19, 2024, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that a low-pressure area in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) had intensified into Tropical Depression Carina, located 780 kilometers (km) west of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 55 kph. By July 23, 2024, Typhoon Carina caused significant disruptions, including flight cancellations, suspended classes, flooding, landslides, and traffic jams.

On July 24, 2024, PAGASA upgraded Carina to a super typhoon, with winds of 185 kph and gusts up to 230 kph, leading to over 100 flight cancellations at NAIA. PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando also reported that La Mesa Dam had overflowed, prompting flood alerts for Rizal, Quezon City, Valenzuela, and Malabon. The Metro Manila Council then declared a state of calamity in the National Capital Region (NCR), allowing for calamity funds and a price freeze. After six days of devastation, PAGASA reported that Super Typhoon Carina had exited PAR on July 25, 2024.

Toll of Super Typhoon Carina on Agriculture

The super typhoon caused significant destruction across various agricultural regions in the Philippines. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the regions hit were the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga. 

On July 31, 2024, the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center (DRRM-OC) of the DA reported in Bulletin No. 14 on the Combined Effects of Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina that the total agricultural damage caused by the super typhoon had reached Php 3.04 billion. The damages were distributed as follows: 44.62% affecting irrigation systems, 26.86% impacting rice, 19.01% affecting fisheries, and 9.50% involving corn, high-value crops (HVC), livestock, and poultry. The DA reported losses totaling 30,644 metric tons (MT), impacting 93,156 farmers and fisherfolk across 56,839 hectares (Ha), of which 72.91% still have a chance of recovery.

The DRRM-OC report detailed the extent of the damage to specific crops and areas. Rice farms suffered damage across 51,277 Ha, with 72.514% having a chance to recover, resulting in 16,710 MT of rice losses valued at Php 816.53 million. Corn fields saw 4,569 Ha damaged, with 76.74% potentially recoverable, leading to losses of 7,635 MT valued at Php 153.53 million. High-Value Crops (HVC) were also affected, with 1,016 Ha devastated and 76.18% having a chance to recover, causing 2,486 MT of HVC losses valued at Php 117.99 million. The HVC crops impacted included upland and lowland vegetables, spices, legumes, and fruits.

The fisheries sector was severely impacted, affecting 4,489 fisherfolks and resulting in losses totaling Php 577.73 million, which included produce such as tilapia, carp, milkfish, shrimp, catfish, seaweeds, sea urchins, and crabs, fishing gears, stock facilities, payao, motorized boats, dikes and gates. The livestock and poultry industry also suffered, with 15,245 heads of chicken, swine, cattle, goat, sheep, duck, and buffalo affected, leading to losses valued at Php 17.09 million. Additionally, irrigation systems were damaged, resulting in losses valued at Php 1.36 billion.

Impact of Super Typhoon Carina on Prices of Agricultural Products and Inflation

On July 25, 2024, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual announced a price freeze on essential goods in the National Capital Region (NCR) following the Super Typhoon Carina state of calamity declaration. This price freeze aims to prevent price hikes and will cover items like rice, corn, bread, vegetables, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, and salt. The DA also assured that rice prices would stay stable due to good harvests and high import levels.

On July 26, 2024, the DA’s daily price monitoring data showed an increase in prices for some agricultural products compared to prices recorded on July 25, 2024, following Super Typhoon Carina’s exit from the PAR. Commodities such as carrots, pechay Baguio, and mango carabao saw price increases of Php 10 per kilogram (kg). The price of cabbage of the Wonder Ball variety increased by Php 15 per kg, while white onions rose by Php 20 per kg. Chili prices surged by Php 35 per kg, and the price of sardines (tamban) increased by Php 70 per kg. Found in the table below are the daily prices and price differences of the abovementioned commodities.

​​On July 29, 2024, Ateneo de Manila University Economist Leonardo Lanzona and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort warned that Super Typhoon Carina could cause a temporary inflation spike, possibly exceeding the 2% to 4% target for 2024 due to agricultural damage and logistical issues. They recommended a price freeze on basic goods and lower rice import tariffs to stabilize inflation. Increased government infrastructure spending and OFW remittances are expected to support economic growth and mitigate the typhoon’s effects.

Government Response to Agricultural Impact of Typhoon Carina

In response to Super Typhoon Carina, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through PAG-ASA actively monitored the situation, issuing warnings and updates on the typhoon’s track and potential impacts, including flooding risks near La Mesa Dam. In the aftermath of the super typhoon, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed immediate aid to affected areas, with Php 2.88 billion in pre-positioned aid and nearly 4,500 personnel for search and rescue. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman confirmed that frontline agencies could use their Quick Response Fund (QRF) for disaster relief.

On July 26, 2024, Magsasaka Party-list nominee Robert Nazal called for urgent support for farmers affected by Super Typhoon Carina, highlighting severe agricultural damage in MIMAROPA, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga. He urged swift government action, including financial aid and crop insurance. Meanwhile, President Marcos addressed flooding issues in Bulacan, directing the construction of additional water-impounding systems in Central Luzon due to overwhelmed flood control systems. 

On July 31, 2024, the DA provided 64,404 bags of rice and 45,307 bags of corn seeds worth Php 301.72 million; 1,300 kg of vegetable seeds, 63,124 seed packs, and 370 cans of vegetable seeds valued at Php 17.63 million. The DA’s BFAR also supplied fingerlings, fishing gear, and related equipment. The ACPC launched the SURE loan program, offering up to Php 25,000 to affected individuals, repayable over three years at zero percent interest.

Domestic and International Assistance

International and local efforts provided vital aid to the Philippines amid the effects of the Super Typhoon Carina. On July 24, 2024, the US, Australia, China, and Canada offered assistance, with the US supplying 700 emergency shelters in Maguindanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro region. The Australian, Chinese, and Canadian ambassadors expressed support and readiness to assist. On July 31, 2024, the UAE donated 80 tons of goods for affected families.

Locally, Lalamove launched an initiative in Baguio City on July 25, 2024, to aid over 80 farmers by purchasing unsold produce and donating it to markets and communities. Supported by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, this effort aims to secure farmers’ earnings and reduce waste, with plans to expand to Metro Manila.