MANILA, Philippines - The damage caused by typhoon Pedring is nearing P9 billion, which may surpass the destruction caused by Ondoy in 2009, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos said.

Ramos said the actual cost of damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by typhoon Pedring as of Tuesday was already at P8.8 billion, of which P7 billion is attributed to Central Luzon.

Many areas in Bulacan, Tarlac,and Pampanga were still under water as of Tuesday.

Total damage caused by tropical storm Ondoy, which hit Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon from September 24-27, 2009, was pegged at P10.9 billion.

“We hope not, but it’s possible, it's a possibility,” said Ramos, when asked if he expects the cost of damage will surpass Ondoy’s.

He said, however, that Pedring's destruction "will further increase.”

Ramos said damage assessments in Central Luzon have yet to be completed because of the massive flooding there.

“Damage assessments in Central Luzon are yet to be completed, especially on the fishery and aquatic resources [assessments] done by the Department of Agriculture. Also, damage assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways on infrastructure is also not yet complete," he said.

In terms of lives lost, Ondoy claimed 400. Pedring’s death toll, on the other hand, has so far reached 55 and 28 are still missing.

NDRRMC has yet to assess the damage caused by typhoon Quiel.