Masbate power restoration still ongoing after Opong

Linemen from the Masbate Electric Cooperative work to repair power lines toppled by Typhoon ‘Opong’ in Masbate. — Photo courtesy of MASELCO Inc.

LEGAZPI CITY — Power restoration in Masbate is steadily progressing as teams from the Masbate Electric Cooperative (MASELCO) Inc. and Task Force Kapatid continue round-the-clock efforts after Typhoon “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) battered the province last month.

In a social media post on Monday, October 13, MASELCO reported that electricity has been restored in 59 out of 328 barangays within its coverage area. This translates to 33.92 percent of its 78,811 consumer connections now energized.

Masbate City recorded the highest rate of restoration, with 36.67 percent of barangays and 49.60 percent of consumer connections energized, followed by Mobo with 45 percent of barangays and 64.58 percent of connections restored. Placer also reported 40 percent of barangays and 54.07 percent of connections back online.

Several towns, however, remain without power, including Cawayan, Dimasalang, Esperanza, Milagros, and Palanas, which all recorded 0 percent restoration in both barangays and consumer connections.

The towns of Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, Cataingan, Mandaon, Masbate City, Mobo, Pio V. Corpus, Placer, and Uson reported partial restoration, but efforts continue across all affected areas.

The cooperative said linemen are working tirelessly to repair damaged lines and replace toppled poles in hard-hit areas to restore power to all affected households as soon as possible.

In a Viber message to the Inquirer Tuesday, Office of Civil Defense Bicol director Claudio Yucot said that while backbone lines have been restored, linemen are now focusing on reconnecting individual households.

He said MASELCO assured residents that restoration work is ongoing in the remaining barangays, with priority given to critical facilities and densely populated communities.

READ: Over 76,000 homes still without power in Masbate after Opong – NEA

Opong caused widespread power outages across Masbate after making landfall, toppling electric poles and cutting off supply lines, resulting in P390.37 million in damage. /das