Siargao residents start rebuilding despite lack of food, water

Nearly a week after Typhoon Odette, several residents in Siargao have begun rebuilding their homes despite the lack of food and water.

In Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, a couple from Burgos said they have no other choice because it is their only home.

"Importante kasi wala naman kaming matulugan, wala namang pagkain, lahat wala. Hingi na lang ng tulong sa Maykapal at sa presidente," Monchito Cacayan said.

(It's important because we have nowhere to sleep, we have no food, nothing. We can only ask for help from God and the president.)

Mariglo Somaylo, meanwhile, said they will still celebrate Christmas despite what happened.

"Magpa-Pasko na lang ng wala kasi lahat naman kami dito ganito. Sana po matulungan kami dito kasi hirap na po kami," she said.

(We'll just celebrate Christmas with nothing because we're all in the same situation here. I hope people can help us because we're suffering.)

Further, clearing operations are still ongoing in General Luna.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said power supply in the island may come back on December 30.

Residents also called on the government for aid.

At least 19 people in Siargao were killed in Odette's devastation while 1,000 domestic tourists were affected in the calamity.

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to allocate P10 billion worth of aid, which will be sourced from  the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, to help the displaced victims of Typhoon Odette. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News