Communications restored in many Yolanda-affected areas; E. Visayas still a problem

Communications facilities have been restored in many areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda over the weekend but remains a problem in Eastern Visayas as of Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

 

NDRRMC spokesman and operations center head Maj. Reynaldo Balido said that as of early Monday morning, they can now communicate with areas in Western Visayas such as Capiz, Antique and Aklan.

 

"Paunti-unti bumabalik ang linya ng komunikasyon sa napaulat na 'di narating ng una (tulad ng) Capiz, Antique at Aklan. Ang nagiging sagabal ay sa Eastern Visayas," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He added telecommunications companies are focusing their repair work on facilities in Eastern Samar.

 

Eastern Visayas took the first landfall from Yolanda, which devastated Tacloban City and went on to make landfall on other areas such as Cebu, Iloilo and Palawan.

 

The NDRRMC said that as of Sunday evening, more than 200 had been left dead in Yolanda's wake.

 

Meanwhile, Balido said the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are ready to send more personnel to maintain peace and order in Yolanda-hit areas, especially Tacloban City.

 

The PNP and AFP had sent personnel to Tacloban City to quell looting and lawlessness in the wake of the devastation brought by Yolanda.

 

"Kung kailangan mag-augment from Mindanao at Luzon at pwersa ... ay gagawin," Balido said.

 

US forces arrive to help in relief efforts

 

Meanwhile, advance elements of the United States' 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade arrived in the Philippines to help in relief efforts, the Philippine Embassy in Washington said.

 

It added the US forces came with two C-130 aircraft. —KG, GMA News