By Alexander Lopez | Philippine News Agency
BUTUAN CITY – Typhoon Odette has leveled Dinagat Islands to the ground and the damage to the landscape is “reminiscent if not worse than when Yolanda hit our province”, Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao said Friday (Dec. 17) night.
“Dinagat Islands has been leveled to the ground by Super Typhoon Odette. We survived. We have yet to establish communication and access among the 7 municipalities to know the extent of the damage.” Bag-ao said in a communique.
She said casualties left by “Odette” still need to be confirmed as there were no data yet from the towns.
The governor also cited the early preparations made by the towns before the landfall of “Odette” on Dec. 16 helped residents survive its onslaught.
“We have a dwindling supply of food and water. Electricity and telecommunications are down. This is why we urgently and humbly ask for everyone’s help,” Bag-ao said.
She said some personnel from the provincial government were sent to the mainland (Surigao) “to find a way to deliver our call for help through all means possible.”
The residents in the island province, she pointed out, are currently in need of food, potable water, temporary shelters, fuel, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
“We need assistance in restoring electricity, running water, and telecommunications.
“Our hospitals have also suffered significant damage rendering some of them inoperable. The fields and boats of our farmers and fisherfolk have been decimated. Most of our commercial and cargo vessels, in spite of taking all necessary precautions, are now unsuitable for sea voyages effectively cutting us off from the rest of the country,” Bag-ao said.
She also assured the people of Dinagat that together, they will be able to survive the present situation.
“Our Capitol buildings may have been destroyed, but your Provincial Government is still and will always be here to work for you as we restore our lives and livelihood,” Bag-ao said.
As of press time, there is no data available as to the extent of the damage caused by “Odette” on the island and the total number of residents affected due to lack of communications. (PNA) – bny
