Blocked roads in Tiwi, Albay hamper retrieval ops

Search and retrieval operations in storm Usman-hit Tiwi Albay were hampered as the roads were blocked by debris and mud due to landslides.

According to a report by GMA News' Bam Alegre aired over 24 Oras, Usman destroyed a part of the Tiwi-Camarines Sur road and a waiting shed after floods hit the area after incessant rainfall.

"Ang dami pang mga debris na nakaharang sa ano, sa kalsada, kaya hirap na hirap talaga,” Rodel Cipcon of Tiwi's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council unit said.

The residents also had to walk through mud and rocks to reach their destination.

“'Yung bundok po, gumuho sa taas. Kaya 'yung ibang tao, hindi makababa dito,” another resident, Ronald Casco, said.

At least 15 people have died due to Usman's wrath in Tiwi, including a certain Ranil Consulta and his two children identified as Sharmaine and Jasmine after their house was buried in the landslide last Saturday.

Also included in the houses buried in the landslide is the house of Marcelina, Zyrus and Mary Rose Climacosa who are also missing.

There are still three people, residents of nearby barangay of Balais, who are still missing.

Earlier, the remains of six people Tiwi were retrieved by authorities over the weekend.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau is gathering data for recommendation of permanent evacuation for Tiwi residents since its barangay officials have expressed concern that cracks in their place would be dangerous in case another landslide hits Tiwi. — Llanesca L. Panti/BAP, GMA News