Catanduanes, hardest hit by “Rolly”
MANILA – Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua said “Rolly” was the strongest typhoon to hit the province in years.
Speaking at the midday press conference hosted by Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque from Virac, Catanduanes, Governor Cua said 35,322 families or 142,178 individuals have been affected by “Rolly.” He added 10,448 homes were totally damaged while 19,262 were partially damaged.
“There are 7,814 persons in evacuation centers while 45,886 opted to stay with relatives and friends,” Governor Cua said.
He said the abaca industry took the brunt of “Rolly’s” wrath as most abaca stalks have been destroyed by the strong winds and rains. Abaca stripping or manual processing remain a top industry in the province. It was learned the damage would soar to P1.4 billion, according to Governor Cua.
Roads to San Miguel, San Andres and Gigmoto remain unpassable due to debris.
A challenge for the government is how to provide electricity to the province because 90% of the local electric cooperative’s posts are down.
During the same briefing Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said it may take some time to restore the power due to the severe damage of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO) although their priorities would be hospitals, evacuation centers and other infrastructure designed and built by local and national government agencies.
Construction materials, food communities and potable drinking water form residents’ “wish list.” Telco providers have worked to restore their mobile and data services to the local residents who need to communicate to their relatives outside the Bicol Region. (Melo M. Acuña)
Philippine Coast Guard personnel load construction supplies for Catanduanes/ The PCG shared photos taken in downtown Virac the other day. (PCG Photos)