Typhoon Danas Inflicts Over NT$250 Million in Agricultural Damage Across Taiwan

Southern Taiwan Bears the Brunt of Typhoon's Impact, with Pomelos and Longans Heavily Affected

Taiwan has sustained significant agricultural losses amounting to at least NT$250 million (approximately US$8.61 million) due to the impact of Typhoon Danas. Initial assessments from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) indicate that the damage is most pronounced in the southern regions of the island.

Tainan has reported the most substantial losses, accounting for NT$210.24 million, which represents 82 percent of the total estimated damage. Chiayi County followed with NT$22.3 million in losses, while Yunlin County experienced NT$20.83 million, and Nantou County reported NT$2.7 million. Minor losses have also been noted in Pingtung County and Kaohsiung.

The majority of the reported damage, totaling at least NT$237.91 million, has affected crops. Agricultural infrastructure sustained losses of N$16.9 million, and livestock suffered an estimated NT$2.35 million in damage.

Among the crops, pomelos suffered the most severe impact, with losses reaching NT$118.4 million. Longans also experienced significant damage, with losses estimated at a minimum of NT$34.43 million. Other affected crops include Ponkan mandarins, food corn, and bananas, with estimated losses of NT$17.52 million, NT$12.33 million, and NT$9.62 million, respectively. The MOA noted that losses in the livestock sector primarily involved chickens.

The severe damage to pomelos, predominantly grown in Tainan, is attributed to the typhoon's strong winds, which caused a substantial portion of the fruit to fall from trees, leaving only an estimated 10-30 percent intact. Many of the fallen pomelos were not yet ripe and could not be processed.

Local authorities in Tainan are actively assisting fruit farmers in clearing fallen pomelos and are coordinating with the MOA to secure disaster relief and implement compensation plans.

Typhoon Danas made landfall in Budai Township, Chiayi County, late Sunday night before weakening to a tropical storm early Monday. While land and sea warnings were eventually lifted, a heavy rain alert remained in effect for southern Taiwan.