Tugade says airport damage 'minimal' in Rolly-hit areas

Minimal damage were reported in local airports due to the Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) and operations have since resumed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Monday said preemptive measures helped minimize the impact of Typhoon Rolly in airports along its path.

"We are happy to report that the damage on the Legazpi Airport, Naga Airport, and Virac are minimal," Tugade said in a briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier reported damage of the Naga Airport at P5.5 million, particularly at the passenger terminal building, the administration building, and the vehicular parking area.

"The [damage] were mostly in the form of dismantled ceilings and blown away roofing and window panels caused by the strong winds of Typhoon Rolly," the CAAP said.

Flights in the airport commenced operations at 7:45 a.m. on November 2, after a temporary suspension that started 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.

Other airports that sustained damage include the Legazpi Airport that reported minimal damage in its ceiling boards and runway lights; the Bicol International Airport that reported damage on its glass wall panels; and Marinduque Airport where breakwaters collapsed due to storm surges.

Rolly, previously categorized as a super typhoon and now downgraded to tropical storm, is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on the morning of Tuesday, November 3.—AOL, GMA News