Storms threaten growth as Philippines suffers $176m in crop losses

Nation on track for record rice imports to fill supply gaps after string of tropical cyclones

Six powerful storms late in the season that ravaged crops and drenched vast areas of the Philippines have put the nation on track for record rice imports and raised concerns over elevated food inflation.

From the end of October to mid November, the storms repeatedly dumped heavy rain over northern regions grappling with widespread flooding and saturated soil that could not absorb any more water. The onslaught caused at least US$131 million (S$176 million) of crop losses, with rice bearing the brunt of the damage.

The last time six tropical cyclones impacted the Philippines over a three-week period was in 1946, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Ir, who said rice imports may climb to a record 4.5 million tonnes in 2024 to fill supply gaps.

The peak of the nation's typhoon season is typically July through October.

"We don't have anything to harvest any more because of the storms," said Mr Iespher Villegas, a rice farmer in the town of Gonzaga in Cagayan province.

His entire crop was submerged by flood waters and rain is continuing in the region, he added, with his corn and a tilapia fish farm also affected.