SBMA team to help restore power, communication lines in Siargao Island

The situation in Siargao | PHOTO: Philippine Coast Guard Official Facebook page

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The 11-man rescue team that was deployed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Sunday to typhoon-hit Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte province will help restore power and communication facilities.

SBMA Chair and Administrator Wilma Eisma said Monday the team from its fire department brought along emergency rescue equipment like chainsaws, power tools, ropes, and portable generators for the rescue and clearing mission on Siargao Island that was among the hardest hit by Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).

Authorities said at least 15 people died on the island, which also lost its electricity and is reportedly running out of potable water, food, and medicines.

“We understand that time is very crucial at this stage of disaster response, so we immediately sent in our rescue team as soon as we can find some transportation for them,” Eisma said in a statement.

She said the team is headed by SBMA fire chief Ranny Magno, an acknowledged expert in disaster and emergency operations.

The SBMA team is expected to carry out its mission in Siargao within 10 days, Eisma said.

Apart from the manpower, the SBMA will also send relief packs to the typhoon victims, said Armie Llamas, SBMA public relations manager.

“We are now gathering the donations from locator-companies and residents in Subic, as well as SBMA employees, and once we have enough, we will send these through the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and OCD (Office of Civil Defense),” Llamas said.