About 24k residents affected by Rolly in Quezon — Gov. Suarez

About 24,000 residents from Quezon Province have been affected by Super Typhoon Rolly, Governor Danilo Suarez said Monday. 

Interviewed on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Suarez said the families staying in evacuation centers will be allowed to return to their residence before Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Suarez also said the damage and losses in agriculture due to the effects of Rolly in the province might reach billions.

“Malaki ang agricultural damage. This will reach billions. This will take a while before they can recover and be fruit bearing,” he said.

He also said a total of 32 districts in the province still have no power supply.

“They make take a while before ma-replace ‘yong poste at long lines,” he said.

In the same interview, Suarez called on the public for donations of food, tents, sleeping kits and hygiene kits.

Rolly has weakened into a tropical storm and was traversing the West Philippine Sea on Monday morning.

The typhoon caused devastation in areas along its path, including Catanduanes where it first made landfall, and provinces such as Albay and Batangas, among others.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said more than 2 million residents from 12 regions in the country were affected by Rolly. 

In the Bicol Region, 16 deaths were reported. 

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture said it has recorded P1.1 billion worth of agriculture damage due to the effects of Rolly.

Secretary William Dar said around 20,000 farmers were affected by Rolly, which damaged rice, corn, and high-value crops. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/RSJ, GMA News