Bohol gov on Typhoon Odette: This is Yolanda again

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap on Friday pointed out similarities between their experience with Typhoon Odette, which hit their province on Thursday, and with Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Yap said that even their first responders -- the police, military, and disaster risk reduction officer as well as their families -- are affected by Odette.

“Yung first responders mismo, biktima kaming lahat (Even the first responders, we are all victims here). So this is Typhoon Haiyan [Yolanda] again,” he said.

Due to this, Yap said the rescuers cannot function well.

The governor called on other first responders in Luzon to send their volunteers and help the victims in the province.

According to Yap, even his home was hit by flood, which reached up to the second floor. His household members were also trapped on the rooftop.

Yap said they monitored around 100 families trapped on the roofs, adding that they are trying to bring boats and rescue the affected residents as of the moment.

“Loboc River is still rising and hundreds of families are trapped in rooftops right now. Malakas talaga ang ulan dito since yesterday afternoon. Napakalakas (ng hangin),” he said.

(The rain has been really heavy since yesterday afternoon. The winds are very strong.)

Meanwhile, Niko Cereno reported on GMA News’ "Unang Balita" on Friday that strong waves pounded the seawall of Surigao City Boulevard on Thursday when the typhoon made landfall in Siargao Island.

Trees were swaying and tarpaulins were flying in the plaza amid the violent winds and heavy rains.

In Cagayan de Oro City, residents of Barangay 26 were forced to evacuate due to chest-deep floods. Other areas were also flooded.

Amid the strong winds, the residents of Barangay Pagdamitan in Guian, Eastern Samar took shelter in concrete houses due to the threat of storm surge in their coastal area.

In Dumangas Port in Iloilo, a five-kilometer line of trucks were stranded.

According to a report of Cedric Castillo, the onslaught of Odette was felt for four to five hours in Liloan, Southern Leyte.

A vessel, tossed by huge waves rammed and damaged some houses.

Roofs were scrapped, fallen branches of trees were scattered, and car glasses were shattered due to the impact of Odette's winds.

According to a report of Bam Alegre, heavy rains and strong winds were also felt in Cotabato, Bohol, and Surigao del Sur. Some houses were damaged.

Meanwhile, several passengers were stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to a report of Nico Waje.

Around 53 domestic flights for departure and 55 for arrival were postponed due to the threat of the typhoon.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Odette was located 155 kilometers West Southwest of Iloilo City or 90 km South Southeast of Cuyo, Palawan at 7 a.m.

Odette packs maximum sustained winds of 155 km per hour, gustiness of up to 235 km/h, central pressure of 955 hPa, and strong winds extending outwards up to 480 km from the center.

The typhoon is moving Westward at 25 km/h. —LBG, GMA News