VIGAN CITY, Oct. 18 (PIA) - - The cost of damage in the agriculture and infrastructure sector in Ilocos Sur due to the onslaught of severe tropical storm 'Maring' has reached more than two billion pesos, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported.

A total of P671 million billion partial value loss in the agriculture sector and P1.6 billion estimated rehabilitation cost in the infrastructure sector were recorded in the province as of 6:00AM on Monday.

There were 13 reported casualties with reports coming from municipal DRRM offices and the municipal police stations.

Casualties were recorded in the towns of Sta. Maria with three, Tagudin, Sta. Cruz, and Suyo with two each, and Salcedo, San Emilio, Lidlidda, and Narvacan town with one death each.

At least four residents are also missing in the towns of Suyo, Tagudin, Sta. Maria, and Santa.

The combined personnel of the PDRRMO and the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office said they continuously conduct search and retrieval operations for those reported missing.

A total of 69,659 families or 226,433 individuals in 395 barangays were affected by the typhoon.

Of which, 7,325 families or 36,370 individuals are being served outside evacuation while 85 families or 320 individuals are being served inside evacuation of 27 municipalities affected.

The provincial government, along with various national government agencies and private groups and organizations, are providing food packs and other basic necessities for the affected residents. (JCR/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)