Taipei: Typhoon Danas and subsequent heavy rains have led to significant agricultural losses in Taiwan, amounting to over NT$2.6 billion (US$88.60 million), with Tainan in the south being the hardest hit, suffering losses exceeding NT$1 billion, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to Focus Taiwan, as of 11 a.m. Monday, the total agricultural losses were calculated at NT$2.65 billion, encompassing damage to crops, livestock, fisheries, and private agricultural facilities. Tainan experienced the most severe impact, with agricultural losses reaching NT$1.05 billion, accounting for 38 percent of the overall damage.

Chiayi County faced NT$704.92 million in losses, representing 27 percent of the total, followed by Yunlin County with NT$423.51 million in losses (16 percent), and Changhua County with NT$267.38 million in losses (10 percent), based on the ministry's latest statistics.

Nationwide, crop losses were estimated at NT$1.78 billion, affecting around 18,738 hectares. The most severely impacted crop was bananas, with 2,121 hectares damaged, resulting in NT$229.13 million in losses. Other significantly affected crops included pomelos with NT$212.96 million in losses, guavas at NT$159.97 million, bamboo shoots at NT$144.22 million, and oranges at NT$124.74 million.

Livestock losses were evaluated at NT$34.55 million, primarily due to the deaths of 438,000 chickens, with additional losses reported on pig, geese, and duck farms. Fishery losses amounted to NT$327.18 million, mainly affecting oyster farms, while forestry losses were estimated at NT$53.39 million, predominantly due to damaged bamboo shoots.

In response to the widespread damage, the ministry has announced cash relief and low-interest loans for farmers in the affected regions.