Power restored in 9 of 23 towns in typhoon-hit Eastern Samar

Power has been restored in nine of the 23 municipalities in typhoon-hit Eastern Samar, although there's no word yet if it will be for good, a report on GMA News' “24 Oras” said Tuesday.

“Hindi pa sure na for good na ito,” said Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative members services division chief Imelda Aberia. “Pero hopefully for good na.”

The town of Guiuan, which was severely affected by Yolanda, is among those without power in Eastern Samar, the report said. There is still no power in Marabut and Basey in Western Samar, the report added.

The National Electrification Administration earlier said power has been restored in 82 of 210 towns and cities affected by the super typhoon that left over 5,500 people dead.

Meanwhile, power infrastructures in 63 towns and cities have been repaired, although those areas have yet to have power.

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla had earlier promised survivors of Typhoon Yolanda that power will be restored before Christmas.

Latest government figures show the number of fatalities from Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the world's strongest typhoon to hit land, at 5,680, with 26,233 injured and 1,779 missing. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab/KBK, GMA News