Isolated areas in Camarines Sur, Albay get aid via choppers, boats
In this handout photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) taken and received on October 24, 2024, rescuers on a rubber boat conduct a rescue operations in a flooded area in Nabua, Camarines Sur, due to Tropical Storm Trami. (Photo by Handout / Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) / AFP)
LIGAO CITY — Relief operations in Camarines Sur and Albay provinces continue to face obstacles as many roads remain impassable because of the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) on the Bicol region.
In Bula town’s Panoypoyan village, relief goods were delivered to residents via two presidential helicopters. Pantao village in Libon town remains cut off due to uncleared landslides.
“The residents are starving. I call on the DPWH to expedite the clearing of road obstructions,” Mayor Wilfredo “Das” Maronilla said in an interview.
Responders take a 3-4 hour detour through Pioduran and Donsol, Sorsogon, to reach the affected areas with water and food supplies, the mayor said.
READ: LOOK: Albay rescue efforts ramp up amid Kristine-triggered flooding
Article continues after this advertisementIn severely flooded villages, uniformed personnel use rubber boats to aid residents.
Article continues after this advertisementOn Friday, 16 motorized rubber boats were delivered to Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, via a C-130 plane, sent by Speaker Martin Romualdez and Appropriations Chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
The boats were distributed across Camarines Sur to aid rescue operations and support relief distribution.
The regional police have deployed water desalination equipment to address the drinking water shortage caused by the storm.
The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 also provided more than 5,800 liters of filtered drinking water to 220 families in Oas and Polangui towns from Oct. 24 to 25, said Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, Bicol police director.
Dizon said the police are also on high alert to prevent potential looting in affected areas. INQ
READ: Kristine aftermath in Camarines Sur: 9 of 36 towns still flooded
