Tropical Storm Ramil is threatening 925,100 hectares of standing crops across six agricultural regions, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a bulletin issued on October 17.
According to the DA, the storm could impact farmlands in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas. Of the affected area, 831,821 hectares or 90 percent are planted with rice, while 93,279 hectares are corn fields.
Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that two of its 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines in Quezon Province were affected by the storm as of 1 p.m. Sunday. The Pitogo-Mulanay line was briefly taken offline at 4:47 a.m. but was restored by 10:31 a.m. The Gumaca-Atimonan line, however, remains out of service.
Both lines supply electricity to the Quezon I Electric Cooperative, which serves more than 125,000 customer connections, based on Department of Energy data.
NGCP said line crews have been mobilized to inspect and assess damage, noting that power outages in some areas may stem from either its own facilities or those of local electric cooperatives and utilities.
In response to the storm, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) assured customers that its teams are fully prepared to respond to power-related issues. “Our crews are strategically positioned and remain on standby 24/7,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications.
Meralco also urged the public to observe electrical safety during flooding, advising residents to turn off main power switches, keep hands and feet dry when handling equipment, unplug appliances, and use rubber gear when cleaning. All electrical systems should be checked by licensed electricians before being re-energized, the utility added.
