Heavy Rains Cause NT$3.18 Million in Agricultural Damage in Taiwan; Watermelons Hit Hardest with 17 Hectares Damaged

(CNA reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, 10th) According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, from June 8th to 5 p.m. today, it is estimated that heavy rains across Taiwan have caused NT$3.18 million in agricultural damage. The main crop affected is watermelon, with a damaged area of 17 hectares.

The Ministry of Agriculture issued a press release stating that due to the impact of heavy rains since the 8th, agricultural disaster information compiled by the Agriculture and Food Agency from various municipalities, counties, and city governments up to 5 p.m. today shows an estimated loss of agricultural products totaling NT$3.18 million.

The Ministry of Agriculture's statistics show a damaged crop area of 82 hectares, with a damage level of 14%, equivalent to a no-harvest area of 12 hectares. The main crop damaged was watermelon, with a damaged area of 17 hectares, a damage level of 16%, equivalent to a no-harvest area of 3 hectares, and a financial loss of NT$660,000. This was followed by papaya, guava, first-crop rice, and wax apple.

Regarding county and city damage, the Ministry of Agriculture's statistics indicate that Pingtung County was the most severe with NT$2.59 million (accounting for 81%), followed in order by Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Taitung County, Taichung City, and Taoyuan City. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150610