Siargao infra 'in total devastation' after Odette passed, says Matugas

Several houses and infrastructure were destroyed as Typhoon Odette swept across Surigao del Norte including the island of Siargao.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Jose Matugas II said all buildings and infrastructures in Siargao were "in total devastation."

“Yung assessment ni governor, sabi niya sa text niya, total devastation lahat ng buildings and infrastructures sa Siargao,” Matugas said in an interview with “24 Oras” on Friday.

(The governor's assessment was that all buildings and infrastructures in Siargao are in total devastation.)

He said that several trees and electric posts fell on roads that made it impassable.

The lawmaker also appealed to the national government for help to give assistance in the affected communities in the province.

“Kaya nga humihingi siya ng tulong sa national government na magdala ng temporary shelter kasi kahit yung mga evacuation center naapektuhan, direct hit kami ng Odette kami yung unang tinamaan ng full force niya,” he added.

(That is why he is asking for help from the national government to bring a temporary shelter because even the evacuation centers were affected, Odette hit us directly and we were the first to be hit in full force.)

Surigao del Norte governor had earlier reported that two deaths were recorded in Siargao island.

NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said the agency was still verifying the reported deaths in the island.

Lieutenant General Greg Almirol, commander of AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, said several roads in Surigao areas said military forces were starting to conduct clearing operations in the roads to make it passable for the affected areas.

“Sa ating mga kasandaluhan at kapulisan, nagcoconduct po sila ng search and rescue operations sa mga areas badly hit ng typhoon,” he added.

(Our soldiers and police are conducting search and rescue operations in areas badly hit by the typhoon.) —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA News