19 dead in Siargao due to Typhoon Odette —Rep. Matugas

At least 19 fatalities were reported on Siargao Island following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco Jose "Bingo" Matugas II said on Wednesday. 

"Wala akong exact numbers sa Surigao City saka 'yung 11 municipalities doon sa mainland. Ang numero ko dito sa Siargao. Nineteen sa buong Siargao ang casualty," Matugas said in a radio interview when asked about the number of casualties.

(I don't have the exact numbers for Surigao City and the other 11 municipalities in the mainland. What I have is 19 in Siargao Island.)

Matugas said more than 1,000 domestic tourists were affected by Odette and as of Tuesday, December 21, the local government already repatriated over 600 tourists.

The lawmaker said there is still no electricity on the island while in some areas, emergency communication systems have already been set up.

Siargao, Bohol, 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 present, Matugas said distribution of relief goods is ongoing for affected residents.

Almost 99% of the 180,000 population of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, including tourists, were affected while the Siargao Airport terminal was also "totally damaged" after Odette made landfall over the island last December 16.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Odette could be considered as the fiercest typhoon that hit the country this year. —KG, GMA News