Metro Manila, Philippines – Two people were reportedly killed in Bicol after Severe Tropical Storm Opong pounded the region early Friday morning, Sept. 26, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
“Opong” hit Eastern Samar at 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, then Palanas, Masbate at 4 a.m. on Friday.
“In terms of casualties, merong tinitingnan for validation. Sa Masbate dalawa naiulat na nasawi, isa municipality of Monreal, isa sa Masbate City,” OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said in a Palace briefing on Friday afternoon.
[Translation: In terms of casualties, there are reports for validation. In Masbate, two were reportedly killed, one in the municipality of Monreal, another in Masbate City.]
“Opong” displaced over 24,000 families or 87,000 people in Bicol, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Castillo said authorities in Eastern Visayas have found one missing person alive, while search and rescue continue for five others.
OCD Eastern Visayas director Byron Torrecarion earlier said five fishermen in Maydolong, Eastern Samar, who sailed on Tuesday and have not yet returned on Thursday.
Alejandro assured the public of continuous operations of disaster management offices as southern Luzon and Metro Manila would face the effects of “Opong” on Friday.
Masbate needs help
“Opong” also impacted over 21,000 people in 182 barangays in Masbate province.
In an earlier briefing, Masbate Gov. Richard Kho said 14 adults and two children were classified as trauma patients.
He said he has requested support from the national government to restore power, and that the local government needs help in road clearing.
“Gusto rin sana namin makahingi ng tulong, as early as possible, na mabuksan ang ports namin dito sa probinsya ng Masbate para makaaabot ‘yong mga tulong galing sa iba-ibang probinsya,” the governor said.
[Translation: We also seek help, as early as possible, to reopen Masbate’ s ports so that aid from various provinces can reach us.]
Kho said the province also needs help to restore communication in Burias Island, especially in Claveria.
