Seven die, 120 in hospital due to diarrhea in Siargao

Seven people have died while at least 120 others were hospitalized due to diarrhea in Siargao in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

According to a report on "State of the Nation" on Thursday, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas said the Siargao District Hospital was getting overwhelmed due to the outbreak.

Matugas said the local government was having a hard time getting safe drinking water because it was difficult to transport.

He added that the island still had no power supply and could not get access to water refilling stations.

He then called for donations of medicines and dextrose.

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.

Energy spokesperson Felix Fuentebella earlier 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. —NB, GMA News