Slow march of grim data after Ursula: 3 confirmed dead in Eastern Visayas

Edwin de Paz(without shirt) of Barangay 35, Pampango district in Tacloban City, is making a makeshift home after their house was destroyed by a storm surge in the coastal village during the onslaught of typhoon “Ursula” on Christmas Eve. photo by Joey A. Gabieta, Inquirer Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY–At least three persons were confirmed dead following Typhoon Ursula’s onslaught in Eastern Visayas, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The OCD reginal office said two of the casualties died of electrocution from live wire after electric posts were felled by Ursula’s winds, which exceeded 100 kph in some areas.

The two were identified as Charles Pongos, 38 and a police officer from Malitbog town, Southern Leyte and Arwin Jomoc,13, from Baybay City in Leyte.

The third casualty, Reymark Cañete,27, was pinned down by a fallen tree in Cabugcayan town, Biliran province.

The Leyte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office earlier said that two men, from Kananga and Abuyog towns, died in Ursula-related cases.

In Borongan City, four fishermen were reported missing, said city information officer Cynthia Arceno.

She identified the missing fishermen as Cylde Lustre, 29; Danilo Baniser, 32 and two others identified only as Antonio and Fiel.

The fishermen went out to sea on Dec. 18 but were caught by Ursula’s fury on Dec. 24, according to Arcena.

Reports on the full extent of the destruction are coming in trickles as communication lines and power were cut off in parts of Eastern Visayas.

Edited by TSB