ISA informed that some 569.66 insured agricultural hectares have been damaged by the rains, winds, and floods, mainly in the western Cocle, Veraguas, and Herrera provinces. The Agrarian Development Ministry (MIDA) has issued a preliminary report confirming that among the crops affected are rice with 1,578.35 hectares (ha) and corn with 142.1 ha, followed by cucurbits, roots and tubers, bananas, cocoa, peppers, coffee, and tomatoes.

MIDA director Roberto Linares explained that the damages do not affect the country’s food security, and stated that some 93,000 hectares of rice have been planted in the current agricultural cycle to guarantee the grain supply.

Due to the weather situation worsened, President Jose Raul Mulino announced that he would convene a special Cabinet meeting to assess the situation in several areas.

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