Days after Severe Tropical Storm #KristinePH battered the Bicol region, residents who are getting their life back on track are grappling with limited access to essentials, including money, grocery items, and fuel.

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, many ATMs have stopped dispensing cash in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

“Maraming ATMs na ang hindi nagdidispense ng pera. Dito sa Calabanga, as of kaninang paglabas ko, di na daw ma-process ang transaction sa multiple ATMs kasi wala na atang laman,” a resident of Calabanga said.

She also noted that many ATMs in nearby Naga City were down due to power outages and floodwaters entering banks.

The fuel situation is dire as well, with most gas stations offering only premium gasoline. Long lines persist where fuel is available.

“Sa gasolines, wala nang unleaded. Karamihan sa mga gasoline stations, premium na lang inooffer,” she said.

While some grocery stores have reopened, limited stocks have made it difficult for residents to purchase essential items.

"[Ang isang mall], open [na] pero ['yung] traffic malala," she added.

She said the priority remains access to cash and fuel, although the water supply is stabilizing as power returns.

Relief goods have been slow to arrive in some areas in Calabanga, but residents have begun organizing efforts reportedly to distribute food and essential items within their community.

“May residents dito na bumuo ng groups para mag-organize ng mga relief [at] sopas giving,” she said.

In Libon, Albay, residents are facing a similar plight.

Essential goods like rice are running low, and prices have nearly doubled, making recovery more difficult.

“Ang main problem po ngayon doon is wala nang supply nang mga pagkain lalo na ang bigas. Nagtaasan din po yung mga bilihin, halos double po ang presyo,” Rica Mae Olaybal Broñosa, a resident, said.

The situation is exacerbated by continuous landslides in isolated areas, slowing road-clearing efforts.

“Sa mismong lugar po namin, isolated po, kabi-kabilang landslide. Until now po, may mga pag-guho pa din kaya po pahirapan sa pag-clearing ng daanan,” Broñosa added.

While some relief efforts have reached Libon, it has not been enough for the many families in need.

“Kahapon po (October 26), nagkaroon ng relief operation doon. Ang GMA nakapagbigay po sila ng relief goods sa mahigit 1,000 na pamilya. Pero sa hirap po ng buhay ngayon doon, still nanghihingi pa din po ng tulong ang aming barangay – mga damit, gamot, pagkain, at inumin po,” Broñosa said.

Local stores are struggling with rising prices as many only have leftover stock, while gasoline remains scarce and expensive, impacting fishermen in the area.

IMPACT OF #KRISTINEPH

Over 548,000 families, or about 2.5 million individuals were affected by #KristinePH in the Bicol region alone, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Sunday, October 27.

Floods linger in 34 areas in Bicol, displacing families into 5,325 evacuation centers, while at least 19,566 families have sought refuge with relatives, the NDRRMC said in its 8 a.m. report.

A total of 137 road sections and 18 bridges remain impassable as of October 27, limiting access across the region.

Power is out in 53 municipalities, and 16 areas have lost communication, complicating recovery efforts.

The storm has also severely impacted agriculture, with 13,871 hectares of crops damaged and losses reaching PHP 1.16 billion, affecting around 23,000 farmers and fisherfolk.

As of October 27, 28 deaths have been confirmed by the NDRRMC in Bicol, and relief operations are underway but remain challenged by limited resources and lingering floods.