TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Typhoon Kong-rey has wreaked havoc on Taiwan's agriculture sector, causing over NT$2 billion in losses by 11 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 12), according to the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部). The hardest-hit areas include Taitung County, Yunlin County, Taichung City, and Hualien County.
Taitung County leads the list with losses amounting to NT$532.8 million, representing 27% of the total damage. Yunlin County follows closely with NT$518.53 million in losses, accounting for 26%. Taichung City and Hualien County suffered significant damage, with losses of NT$306.11 million and NT$302.27 million, respectively, each accounting for 15% of the total.
The agricultural losses include NT$1.64 billion, with crops affected across 29,774 hectares, translating to 9,114 hectares of unharvestable land. The second-phase rice crop suffered the most, with a loss of NT$409.2 million across 10,146 hectares, reflecting a damage rate of 39%.
Pears, primarily from Taichung City, and sugar apples from Taitung County incurred losses of NT$233.26 million and NT$145.238 million, respectively. Other notable losses include garlic and peanuts from Yunlin County, with damages amounting to NT$145.051 million and NT$79.599 million, respectively.
Livestock losses reached NT$4.5 million, affecting chickens, pigs, and ducks, while fisheries reported NT$41.15 million, impacting oysters and tilapia. MOA's website announces cash assistance and low-interest loans; damage statistics are updated regularly.
