Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) – Eastern Samar grapples with picking up the pieces in the aftermath of severe tropical storm Ambo amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Ambo (international name: Vongfong), the first tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, first hit land at San Policarpio, Eastern Samar province.

Governor Ben Evardone said the damage caused by Ambo is comparable to Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. He added that a number of local governments are short of calamity funds as these were spent for COVID-19 response efforts.

“Based on my observation this morning until this afternoon, I think the devastation, in terms of infrastructure and agriculture, I think can be compared to Yolanda. The major difference, during Yolanda, some hundreds and thousands people died unlike this one, Evardone told CNN Philippines’ News Night.

Evardone said Ambo also destroyed a church, evacuation centers transformed into COVID-19 isolation areas and crops.

He also appealed for help from the Air Force to reach the inaccessible towns of Jipapad and Maslo.

The weather bureau said Ambo is bringing moderate to intense rains in many parts of Luzon.

It is expected exit the country on Monday.