Agricultural losses from Typhoon Matmo reach nearly US$20 million

Taiwan's agriculture sector has suffered NT$594.9 million (US$19.73 million) in losses as of 5 p.m. Monday from the battering the island took from Typhoon Matmo on July 22, according to the latest Council of Agriculture figures.

Citing statistics compiled by local governments, the council said eastern Taiwan was the region hardest hit by the storm, with losses suffered by Hualien County now reaching NT$362.34 million, or 61 percent of the total nationwide.

Matmo, the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan this year, also caused losses of NT$50.89 million and NT$47.02 million in Yilan and Taitung counties, respectively.

Banana growers reported NT$129.19 million in losses as of Monday afternoon, the most for any individual crop, the statistics showed.

Other agricultural produce affected by the typhoon included pomelos, watermelons, sugar apples, papayas, pineapples, guavas, pears, taros and chives, the council said.

Meanwhile, livestock losses amounted to NT$2.15 million and losses in the forestry sector stood at NT$28.3 million.

Source: www.chinapost.com.tw