Opong leaves 10 dead, 13 still missing

MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Opong has left at least 10 people dead, with 13 others still missing, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The fatalities include seven in Biliran – three in Maripipi, three in Kawayan and one in Caibiran – who reportedly died due to flashfloods and storm surges brought by Opong’s heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Three additional deaths were reported in the Bicol Region, including one in Monreal, Masbate and two in Masbate City.

The storm made landfall in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar on Sept. 25, triggering widespread flooding across Eastern Visayas.

In Eastern Samar, five fishermen remain missing, while six others who went missing after a motor banca capsized in Guiuan have been rescued and are receiving treatment in a local hospital.

The missing fishermen have been identified as Elbert Tasting, 45; Barbie Calosar, 42; Harold Cris Buenafe, 28; Ricky Bajada, 39, and Rembert Versoza, 41 – all residents of Poblacion 4, Maydolong.

Opong’s impact prompted the evacuation of thousands of families.

Across Eastern Samar, 15,882 families (54,515 people) were affected, with 2,556 families temporarily sheltered as a precaution.

Northern Samar reported minimal damage but evacuated 7,177 families (23,317 people) from coastal areas.

In Biliran, 700 families (1,200 people) were evacuated due to flooding, including those in Maripipi, Almeria and Kawayan.

Several areas in Leyte, including Ormoc City, Matag-ob, Kananga and Alangalang also experienced flooding and landslides, prompting preemptive evacuations.

Catbalogan City and Marabut town in Samar similarly reported flood and landslide incidents.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Opong, along with typhoons Mirasol and Nando and the southwest monsoon, has affected a total of 520,165 families or 2,026,246 people over the past two weeks.

Of these, 52,166 families (204,631 people) have been served in 1,906 evacuation centers across the country.

Authorities continue ongoing damage assessments and relief operations, while search and rescue efforts are underway for the remaining missing individuals. — Miriam Desacada