The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continuously rescued residents from different areas affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette on Friday (Dec.17) and helped with evacuation efforts of the local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of the people.
More than 200 individuals have been rescued by the coast guards in chest-deep floodwaters in Osmeña, Cagayan de Oro City and used improvised flotation devices in some areas that their rubber boats cannot pass through.
In a nearby Barangay Talon in Cagayan de Oro City, a one-month old infant has been placed in a laundry tub and covered with a blanket and a small umbrella by the PCG personnel. They carefully transported the child in the chest-deep waters as they evacuated more families in the area.
A paralyzed elderly woman was also rescued in the same barangay by the coast guards, together with the LGUs, Philippine Army, and Philippine National Police. They carried the senior citizen to their rescue vehicle by putting ropes and creating a human chain over waist-deep flash floods.
Transferring evacuees from rubber boats to the rescue vehicles was also a challenge but the PCG personnel battled their way to continue the rescue effort.
After the rains and strong winds ceased, the PCG conducted an aerial inspection to assess the extent of damage caused by Typhoon Odette in Siargao Island.
In their Facebook page, they lauded their members for their heroism and non-stop efforts to save people.
They said that the search and rescue efforts of the PCG are still ongoing and that they will continue to serve the Filipino people. -Reports from Karen Villanda/CC-rir
