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'Devastation everywhere' in Cebu after Odette left, says Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo on Saturday said Typhoon Odette left "devastation everywhere" in Cebu.

Robredo arrived in Cebu after visiting typhoon-ravaged Bohol on Friday to provide relief and assess the situation in the area.

"We’re in Cebu now. Signal is difficult. Devastation everywhere," she said in a post on Twitter.

Robredo said roads have yet to be cleared of debris from trees and electric lines and posts downed by Typhoon Odette.

"Been travelling more than 2 hours already from the airport to Cebu City. Traffic is bad: Roads still being cleared of electric lines and posts that toppled down," she said.

Robredo also said there were long lines at gas and water refilling stations.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday declared a state of calamity over the entire province due to the damage brought about by the onslaught of Odette.

Garcia said she will meet with officials from the power utility companies to determine when the power can be restored in the province.

She also called a meeting with contractors on Saturday to ask them to offer their equipment such as chainsaws and back hoes in order to clear national roads and barangay roads.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama also ordered a city-wide general state of calamity and emergency due to the damage to property brought about by Odette on Thursday. Rama also initiated a "stay at home" order to fast-track, among other things, the rehabilitation and restoration work of the city government.

Among those damaged were the residence of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, some churches and a seminary.

Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Saturday said a price freeze on basic goods and prime commodities has been automatically activated in Cebu province, and Cebu City after these were declared under a state of calamity.

Typhoon Odette has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday at 12:40 p.m. —KG, GMA News