49 deaths recorded so far in Cebu R

CEBU, Philippines - The number of people in Cebu Province that perished in the recent storm has reached 49 based on records from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 as of  yesterday.

Minda Morante, Regional Director of the Office of the Civil Defense, told The FREEMAN that they continually update and verify their data because the numbers that reach them also come from the LGUs.

"Kung unsay available sa area mao lang ang amo nakuha kay even mayors niangkon nga nagli-bog sila kung pila gyud ang exact number sa mga casualties," she said.

Damaged communication services have also made it difficult to coordinate with LGUs, especially those in the northernmost tip of Cebu island that are most badly hit.

"Among focus ang tumoy gyud sa Cebu pero since there are also conducting clearing operations sa mga karsada di lang una ta mupugos og sulod gyud sa area," Morante said in a phone interview.

PRO-7 records indicate that nine people died in Bogo City, seven in Bantayan Island, four in Medellin, three in Madridejos, two each in Sogod and San Remigio towns, and one each in Balamban and Lapu-Lapu City.

At least 43 were reported injured and five remain missing, including one in Bohol Province.

The fatalities in Sogod were identified as Jean Arnado, 34, and Nida Saltunes, 54, both residents of Barangay Parsoy. They were found under their houses' debris and were declared dead on arrival at the Juan Dosado Memorial Hospital.

The fatality in Balamban was identified as Mario Sorila, 40, of Barangay Ginatilan. Those in Madridejos were identified as Edgar Despi, 32, of Barangay Bunakan, Alberto Prietos, 46, and a one-year-old infant, both from Barangay Tarong.

Last Saturday night, PRO-7 has sent 32 policemen headed by Insp. Von Alegria and Insp. Enguito Alvino from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB)-7 to augment existing forces in Tacloban City.

Additional 62 personnel grouped into two search and rescue platoons were also sent off to Bantayan Island to assist in disaster management operation. Both teams were led by Insp. Alfredo Mayol and Insp. Rey Delos Santos.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) reported that the storm has damaged 80 to 95 percent of residences and agricultural lands in the north.

After finally being able to reach Bantayan Island last Saturday, Governor Hilario Davide III, along with the office members, said 95 to 98 percent of  homes in Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe towns were destroyed.

Twelve were reported dead in Bantayan town, three in Madridejos, and four in Sta. Fe.

The PDRRMC report also said that based on survey, the only passable main supply route to Daanbantayan is the Kawit and Bagay road. However, only four-wheel vehicles and 6x6 trucks have been given clearance to pass the route. Even buses aren't allowed just yet.

In Daanbantayan, 80 percent of houses and establishments have been destroyed while 90 percent of electricity and communication lines were damaged. The town also reported of lack of supply of potable water and food. This is the same scenario in the neighboring town of Medellin where most barangays reported 80 to 95 percent of houses damaged by the typhoon. The town experienced a shortage of rice and water early yesterday morning and could only be thankful of the relief goods that arrived from donors later in the day.

In Medellin's other neighboring town, San Remegio, 90 to 95 percent of houses were reported damaged while 90 percent of 27 elementary schools and 80 percent of health centers were reported to be severely damaged. Its agricultural products have reportedly been damaged completely.

In Borbon town, 700 houses were reported damaged and 748 families had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, 644 houses were reported damaged in Tudela town. The evacuation center in Sogod town was also damaged.

In Camotes Island, 5th district Representative Ace Durano said it will take a week to repair toppled lines for communication and electricity. While most of the houses and agricultural properties were damaged, Durano said the good news is no one was reported dead. — /JMO (FREEMAN)