Metro Manila, Philippines — As severe tropical storm Kristine continues to wreak havoc in Batangas, dozens of patients, caregivers, and staff remain stranded inside the Batangas Provincial Hospital (BPH) in Lemery on Thursday, Oct. 24.
Floodwaters have overwhelmed the hospital’s ward and emergency room, forcing everyone to evacuate to the second floor. According to Jopaii Enriquez, one of the stranded individuals, food supplies are nearly depleted.
“May tinapay naman kaming nakakain pa kaso paubos na din,” (We still have some bread to eat, but it’s running out) Enriquez shared with NewsWatch Plus. Concerns remain about the situation of other individuals, including babies, who may also be running low on food.
In an effort to find more food, Enriquez added that some of them had ventured outside and were fortunate to find a convenience store still operating.
“Bumili [na lang] muna kami ng mga tinapay para may mailaman sa tiyan,” Enriquez added.
(Translation: We bought some more bread to fill our stomachs.)
Earlier social media posts from Enriquez highlighted the challenges they face, with strong winds and torrential rain making it impossible to leave. Debris such as roofing sheets was being blown around, adding to the danger.
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