2 dead on ‘devastated’ Siargao Island, says Surigao del Norte gov

DAVAO CITY––Typhoon “Odette” has left at least two people dead in the internationally popular surfing island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

Gov. Francisco Matugas said Friday in a statement that the “whole island is devastated.”

The statement was relayed through Rep. Bingo Matugas through satellite phone as many affected provinces remained disconnected after the typhoon disrupted telecommunication services.

Governor Matugas, who is in Siargao Island, shared reports of two casualties and around P20 billion in damages.

However, it is still unknown which parts of the island are heavily affected.

After the pandemic restrictions were relaxed earlier this year, the tourism industry started to pick up slowly and welcome guests, including digital nomads who relocated to the island.

“We are safe. We are stranded at the municipal building of San Isidro at 1 p.m. of December 16. The typhoon hit at 1:30 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. the strongest probably Category 4 Typhoon battered San Isidro for 2 hours which damaged buildings and other structures,” Matugas said.

The governor narrated that they left San Isidro early morning the next day to assess the damages and check on the people.

“It took us 6 hours to reach Dapa (town) due to roads not being passable. We did the clearing of fallen coconut trees, electric posts, and other trees as DPWH are not doing their job,” Matugas added.

Matugas also said their house in Dapa was about 80% damaged by the strong winds and heavy rain.

As communications remain extremely limited, Matugas appealed to the national government for immediate help, including food supply and construction materials to rebuild houses on the island.

Meanwhile, Congressman Matugas earlier disclosed that two planes carrying a team of doctors and volunteers were scheduled to depart from Legaspi City to bring a medical response to Siargao Island.

“The flight from Legaspi was initiated by my office in coordination with certain aviator groups and groups of pilots,” the lawmaker said.

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