Dinagat Islands Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao described the damage caused by the ravages of typhoon Odette.
Dinagat was one of Odette’s first trails. But, according to Bag-ao, although they were preparing for the typhoon’s arrival, many of the evacuation centers and buildings in their province were damaged by the typhoon.
“Wala talagang natira. ‘Pag tinatanong ako kung ilang munisipyo, ang sagot ko 7. Ano ang worst hit? Ang sagot ko lahat,” she said.
“Ano ang description ko ngayon ‘pag pumunta kayo doon, lahat ng bahay ay halos walang atip (bubong), ‘yung iba wala na talaga, nasa lupa na lahat, kahit poste wala. Lahat ng mga pananim, mula sa saging, coconut, wala na lahat ‘yan.”
Because most of the houses and buildings were destroyed, people had no shelter when it rained. Residents also find it challenging to dry their clothes and repair their homes.
“Ang problema ko nga ulit ay kapag umuulan ay nababasa kami ulit. Kaya marami sa na-save namin na bigas, nag-save kami eh, for at least a month, ‘yun ang aming pre-emptive preparation kasi alam ko naman malakas ‘yung bagyo. Pero nabasa halos lahat. Naka-save lang yata kami ng 150 sacks. ‘Yun ‘yung dinidistribute na namin ngayon para pagkain,” said Bag-ao.
Dinagat governor describes the damage caused by Odette
“Wala kami kahit ano. Walang kuryente, walang tubig kasi sumabog ‘yung mga pump, wala ring signal ng kahit ano, kaya hindi maka-connect. Kaya kapag nandito ako, nag-eextend lang ako ng mga isa, dalawang oras para makapag-text, masagot ko ‘yung mga tawag sa akin, at makapagpost para nalalaman ng mga nakakakilala sa Dinagat kung anong hitsura ng Dinagat ngayon,” added Bag-ao, who is currently in Butuan City to get a signal and send information.
According to Bag-ao, any assistance that can be given to them and other provinces affected by the typhoon is a big help for the residents.
Bag-ao also called on the authorities to help them fix the poles that are still blocking the roads.
According to Jeff Crisostomo, information officer of Dinagat Islands, up to 14 people have died in the province due to the typhoon.
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