Parts of Eastern Samar hit by Yolanda still hard to reach – PHL Red Cross

Washed-out bridges in Eastern Samar have made it difficult for aid to reach towns and villages hit by super typhoon Yolanda, the Philippine Red Cross said Thursday.

 

In a phone interview, PRC secretary general Gwendolyn Pang said it took three days for her organization to transport relief goods from Manila to hard-to-reach areas in the province.

 

"May mga lugar pa talaga sa Eastern Samar na kailangan pa nating pasukin. Putol 'yung bridges kaya 'yung mga dinadala sa Leyte airport, hindi nakakarating sa kanila," Pang said. 

 

She added food, water and medicines are the most urgent needs of those affected by Yolanda in Eastern Samar.

 

Eastern Samar was among the first areas in the Philippines to be battered by super typhoon Yolanda. 

 

The weather disturbance made landfall over Guiuan town before dawn Friday. According to the latest government data, 172 people have been confirmed dead in Guiuan.

 

Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, however, said that as far as he knows, all areas of his province are already accessible and have received aid.

 

"By this time, baka walang nang hindi nararating ng tulong. Prepared ang local officials namin," Evardone said in a separate phone interview.

 

He added local officials from eight towns in Eastern Samar devastated by Yolanda are already coordinating with the national government for relief efforts. — JDS, GMA News