Surigao del Norte First District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II reported Friday that the Siargao Airport terminal was “totally damaged” after Typhoon Odette ravaged the province.
“We have established initial contact with Siargao Airport OIC Mr. Richard Alas. The good news is Gov Lalo & Sol Matugas are safe despite being trapped while visiting evacuation centers in Siargao. Also, the Siargao Airport runway is clear of debris. Thus, planes and choppers carrying relief goods can land. It is regrettable, however that the Siargao Airport Terminal was totally damaged. Per Mr. Alas’ initial assessment, the damage of Odette in Siargao is devastating. There are no updates yet as to casualty,” said Matugas in a Facebook post.
“By 10am today, NDRRMC will fly 2 choppers from Davao to make aerial assessment of the damage in Siargao & the whole of Surigao del Norte. They will also establish VSAT communications in Siargao so we can get direct updates from our LGU officials. Also, as of this posting Phil. Coast Guard plane is already en route to Siargao,” he added.
According to Pagasa severe weather bulletin, Typhoon Odette maintains strength as it approaches Palawan.
Siargao Airport terminal ‘totally damaged’ by typhoon Odette – solon
As of 1 pm, the center of the eye of Typhoon “ODETTE” was located based on all available data at 130 km Southwest of Cuyo, Palawan or 155 km East Northeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Destructive typhoon-force winds will be experienced within any of the areas where TCWS #3 is in effect. This may bring moderate to heavy damage to structures and vegetation.
Damaging winds reaching gale- to storm-force strength will be experienced within any of the areas where TCWS #2 is in effect. This may result in generally light to moderate damage to structures and vegetation.
Moving generally westward, the typhoon is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity of northern or central portion of Palawan this afternoon, re-emerge over the West Philippine Sea tonight, and pass in the vicinity of Kalayaan Islands tomorrow. The typhoon is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow morning or early afternoon.
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