Isabela flood survivors send family messages through news team

Several days after Typhoon Ulysses left large swaths of Isabela province flooded, waters finally began to recede during the weekend.

Among the localities that still had some flooding was Sto. Tomas town, but even conditions here were starting to improve as disaster relief and news teams were finally able to enter the cut-off town on Saturday.

In his Sunday "24 Oras Weekend" report, Jonathan Andal spoke with Sto. Tomas locals who took advantage of the GMA News team's presence to let relatives know that they had survived and were safe.

"Mga anak ko, huwag kayo magalala sa akin, kasi lowbat ang cellphone ko at wala akong pang load. Sana sila na lang ang tatawag sa akin," said one resident, speaking into the camera.

Aside from the GMA News team, disaster response workers were also finally able to enter the town to deliver relief goods.

While grateful for the food, locals said there was just enough to feed them for a day.

Among those hoping for more relief goods, and building materials with which to repair her home with, was a tearful Fermina Malawigan.

"Makahingi kami ng tulong sir, para maayos yan," said Malawigan.

LOOK: Winasak ng rumaragasang baha ang bahay ni Nanay Fermina Malawigan sa Sto Tomas, Isabela. Sira ang lahat ng gamit nila at imbak na bigas. Nananawagan siya ng pagkain at materyales sa bahay. | via @JonathanAndal_ ng @gmanews pic.twitter.com/fmmP8DRdYZ

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 15, 2020

While floodwaters were receding, locals believed that some low-lying sections of their town would remain flooded for a month. — DVM, GMA News