Catanduanes appeals vs sending home of LSIs, OFWs

The local government of Catanduanes is appealing for the suspension of the return of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the province as its quarantine facilities were destroyed by Super Typhoon Rolly.

According to a report of GMA News stringer Jinky Tabor on Unang Balita on Wednesday, all of the remaining LSIs are now staying in only one quarantine facility.

No more quarantine facilities will be able to accommodate more LSIs and OFW as well as new COVID-19 cases due to the damage caused by Rolly to the establishments.

According to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, the province only has limited funds left to respond to the needs of typhoon-hit residents.

At least seven towns such as Pandan, Caramoran, Viga, Bato, Bagamanoc, Gigmoto, and Baras are still isolated due to the damaged electric posts and landslides. Some of the secondary roads are still not passable.

In a separate report, GMA's Ian Cruz said five were reported dead and around 65% of houses were damaged in Catanduanes due to Rolly.

Residents said they might not have survived the onslaught of Rolly if they did not follow the order of authorities to evacuate their homes.

The house of one of the victims, Carla Borja, in Virac became unrecognizable after the super typhoon hit the province. The roof and walls of her house were totally destroyed.

"Hindi ko po alam talaga, wala na po parang nagblangko na po ang utak ko," Borja said.

The report also said two people residing near the Gogon River died. According to their family, Mario Jacob tried to come back to their house to pick up his daughter Michaela amid the strong current of flood.

In the town of Bato, where Rolly made a landfall, houses, government establishment, and school were damaged.

Amid the strong winds and flooding, Concepcion Publico believed she git a ‘second life’ after a scaffolding and concrete fell on her.

Cua said the local government is prioritizing to provide food for the affected residents. He admitted that they are facing difficulties in providing materials for the repair of the damaged houses.

“Yun nga ‘yung problema natin, is unang-una ‘yung pagkain muna na ilang percent lang ang nabigbigyan natin ng relief kasi impassable nga ‘yung ibang town, ibang barangay,” he said.—AOL, GMA News