Man dies after saving neighbors at height of Odette's wrath in Siargao Island

A man died after helping his neighbors evacuate to safety during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.

According to JP Soriano’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, resident Eutiquio Flores led the evacuation of about a hundred of his neighbors in Purok 5, Barangay Lobogon.

“Lahat naman ‘yun nilabas niya dito, hanap na naman siya ng isang room ang gusto niya ilipat pa niya doon sa kabilang school, ang nailipat niya doon yung malalaki na, tinatawid niya isa-isa,” Elena Flores, wife of Eutiquio, narrated.

(He brought them here, and went on looking for another room in the nearby schoolbuilding where he led more evacuees.  He was able to assist the adults one by one.)

Flores was also captured in a video helping his neighbors carry their household items.

“Bayani talaga siya sa aming lahat, yung mga bata sinesafety niya yung maliliit,” Dyna Espia, one of the residents rescued by Flores, said.

(He is really a hero to all of us.  He made sure the children were safe.)

Despite the heavy rains, Flores left the evacuation center to attend to several more people left in their homes.

Espia said they suddenly heard one of the rescued child shouted for help.  They saw Flores with a wound on the head.

“Pag-tingin namin may mga sugat siya dito (head), putlang putla na siya, 'yung mga anak niya nagyayakapan na d'yan hinila nila papunta sa gilid,” Espia said.

(When we saw him, he had a wound on his head. He was also pale. His children were hugging him and they pulled him to the side.)

Because of the heavy rain, Flores was not immediately brought to the hospital for treatment.

''Yung mga anak ko nag-iiyakan kasi sanay sila tuwing Pasko nagsisimba kami sama-sama. Ginising niya para magsimba, gisingin mo na yung mga bata magsisimba tayo,” Elena recounted.

(My children are crying because they are used to going to church together every Christmas. Their father wakes up the children to attend mass together.)

As the residents celebrate Christmas, they will also remember the bravery and sacrifices of Flores, who risked his life so that they may be safe from the typhoon's wrath.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News