In Glenda’s aftermath, Albay records zero casualty

Although it was one of the provinces first hit by Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun), Albay recorded zero casualty in the aftermath of the weather disturbance.

 

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Albay Governor Joey Salceda said some of his constituents sustained only minor injuries due to strong winds and heavy rainfall brought by Glenda.

 

"Zero casualties. May mangilan-ngilang injuries pero hindi naman nirereport officially rito sa opisina," Salceda said during a briefing aired over GMA News TV's "Balitanghali."

 

He added that the typhoon caused "moderate" damage to the province, mostly on private houses and trees.

 

"Ang estimate ko diyan, most of the damage were privately absorbed, but they have public externalities. Ang ibig sabihin po, kailangan matulungan po ang families whose houses are made of light materials kasi iyan po ang nilipad, or yung middle class na yung rooftop nila ay made of GI [galvanized iron] sheets," Salceda said.

 

Families who lost their homes due to Glenda will be given access to housing loans, the Albay governor said.

 

He added that the local government is working to restore electricity in the province.

 

"Yung kuryente, hopefully maibalik kaagad kasi ang generators namin pagod na, at nag-lolowbatt na po ang aming communication lines," Salceda said.

 

Glenda made landfall twice in Albay on Tuesday night. Storm signals have already been lifted in the area as of noon Wednesday.

 

The typhoon was estimated to be at the vicinity of Bataan as of 10 a.m. Wednesday. It is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday.

 

Ninety percent of Manila Electric Co's (Meralco) franchise area in Southern Luzon, Metro Manila and nearby provinces do not have electricity after the typhoon toppled electric poles and downed transmission lines of the Luzon grid. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News