Severe damage to Philippine Rice Terraces by two typhoons

The Northern Luzon of the Philippines was severely affected by Typhoon Pedrin (International Name: Nesat) which crossed the region on Tuesday 27 September. Its trajectory passed across the Ifugao Province and has, according to preliminary reports, caused major mud and landslides within the area of the World Heritage property of the Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras. A second typhoon crossed the area this past weekend.

While the communication in the area is still not fully functional and many roads remain blocked, the full extent of the damage and possible loss of lives is still unknown. The Philippine authorities have informed UNESCO that they will be applying for Emergency Assistance under the World Heritage Fund to respond to this situation. The conservation of the Rice Terraces will require substantial and concerted efforts and the World Heritage Centre is exploring all possible means to respond to this situation as quickly as possible.