Two more local government units (LGUs) in Negros Oriental have reported damage and losses to crops and farms due to the drought triggered by El Niño.

A report from the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Dumaguete City showed that the municipalities of La Libertad and Bindoy were included in the list of areas hit by drought, bringing to 11 the number of LGUs in Negros Oriental, where the majority are suffering irreparable damage.

La Libertad reported that 39 rice farmers with an aggregate total of 20.29 hectares in that northern town have been hit by the drought but have yet to submit data in terms of monetary value in losses.

As of March 26, the total number of farmers/fisherfolk in Negros Oriental hit by El Niño has reached 3,087, while areas affected were placed at roughly 1,670.5 hectares with a little over 691 hectares with no chance of recovery.

The nine other LGUs that have submitted their reports are Mabinay, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Manjuyod, and the cities of Bayawan, Bais, Dumaguete, Tanjay, and Canlaon. (PNA)