First planes carrying relief goods land in Ormoc

The first planes carrying relief goods for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Ormoc town in Leyte—one of the areas severely affected by what was described as a “super typhoon” last week—have already landed.

“Two medium sized planes have already landed in Ormoc bringing relief goods,” said actor Richard Gomez, husband of Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, via Facebook.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Gomez told GMA News Online the two planes were the first to land in Ormoc with relief goods following typhoon Yolanda's onslaught last Friday. The planes carried goods from private donors.

“Dalawang planes na 'yun. May dalang relief goods, from private donors,” he said.

The relief goods took a while to reach Ormoc, as roads there were impassable as of Wednesday, Gomez said.

“Roads are impassable pa. Our access is via airport and sea port,” he said.

Gomez added that while his wife was in Manila Wednesday morning, she has taken personal interest in securing donations from individuals who want to help rebuild Ormoc.

“She's in Manila now coordinating with the donors,” Gomez said, adding his wife is set to fly to her district later in the day to assess the area and to be with her constituents.

“She's flying to Leyte later, but she'll be in and out. It doesn't matter if she stays there for two days or two hours, basta what's important is dumating [siya]” he said.

Meanwhile, Gomez said Ormoc has a relatively low casualty count at 21, and that residents are now intent on rebuilding their homes.

Earlier, the couple called for donations for Ormoc, particularly those in the heavily affected coastal areas.

Torres-Gomez has also been posting notes on her Instagram account, detailing the type of goods the people of Ormoc need. — Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News