Bohol, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat won't have power over holidays

Bohol, Siargao, Surigao del Norte and the Dinagat Islands will remain without electricity over Christmas, agencies tasked to restore power in areas affected by Typhoon Odette said on Tuesday. 

At a virtual briefing, Department of Energy (DOE) Spokesperson Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella said it would be “challenging” for power to be restored in the four areas by the end of the year.

Officials indicate that restoration efforts have been hampered due to difficulties in transportation and road blockages as passageways have also been hit by the typhoon.

According to the latest data available from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, 19 out of the 95 lines are for restoration in its Visayas System Operations, while 76 are already up.

Among this still for restoration are in Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

“The remaining affected line in Leyte and two in Cebu are targeted to be restored by December 22. One line in Bohol is also targeted to be restored on 31 December,” the NGCP said in a separate advisory.

“Transmission services in areas serviced by VECO, MECO, and CEBECO II are already restored,” it added.

The agency said it has already augmented its workforce by deploying a total of 92 line gangs or 736 personnel working non-stop when weather and safety conditions permit.

Odette left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday afternoon, after causing “total devastation” in areas under its path. —NB, GMA News