‘WE’RE TRYING’ | Bohol to have ‘dark Christmas’ due to Typhoon Odette destruction, says official

December 23, 2021 , 09:32 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(December 23, 2021) – Bohol will face a gloomy Christmas as residents grapple with the lack of electricity, food, and water in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, the head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said on Wednesday.

Anthony Damalerio renewed their call for help to augment the relief resources, as affected people are grasping for hope and looking to find a semblance of celebration amid the rubble and destruction.

“Total blackout pa rin ang probinsya ng Bohol. Unti-unti, there’s power through generator sets but again there’s a shortage of generator sets na. We’re looking at Cebu or Manila for sources,” said Damalerio on One PH’s Sa Totoo Lang. “We’re still trying hard. It will be a dark Christmas for Bohol.”

Damalerio said local officials will continue bringing food packs but admitted the supplies may not be enough. He added the provincial government is aware of looting reports, noting that 150 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been deployed to certain towns.

“Most of these are affected families talaga wanting for food at gutom na. Because according to our reports, ‘yung supply natin ng relief food packs may last only for two to three days. Probably after Christmas ubos na ito,” said Damalerio.

Looting has also happened in other areas battered by Typhoon Odette like Siargao Island, said Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Martin Andanar.

Overpricing of commodities has been another problem, as the Department of Trade and Industry already tapped the PNP to help monitor the issue and penalize opportunistic sellers.

Bohol has reported 103 deaths, 12 missing, and 638 injured following the onslaught of the strongest storm to hit the country this year. Close to 26,600 families evacuated but some have already returned to their houses to clean up the mess and salvage what’s left.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has already instructed power cooperatives to restore power in local areas. Of the 939 municipalities hit by Typhoon Odette, the DOE said around 633 already have electricity.

Engr. Antonio Abuel Jr. of Meralco, meanwhile, said they have already sent linemen to Bohol and Cebu to restore power but logistical issues remain a challenge.

“There is no power, there is no communications so you can barely get telco signals,” said Abuel on One News’ The Big Story, narrating their linemen’s experience in Cebu. “All transactions are cash basis, there is no card and (automated teller machines) operating. And then there’s lack of water.”

Abuel also admitted that they cannot give a definite time when power will be restored in all areas due to varying situations in each province.

“Some areas, we can restore immediately before Christmas and New Year but it really depends on the extent of damage, availability of personnel. Kaya ang Meralco is trying to send as much linemen diyan sa Visayas,” said Abuel.

(PM)

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