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14 dead in Dinagat Islands amid Typhoon Odette onslaught —official

By JOVILAND RITA,GMA News

At least 14 people were reported dead in Dinagat Islands amid the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, the provincial information officer said on Monday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Dinagat Islands Provincial Information Officer Jeff Crisostomo noted that some of these reports were “medically-related”.

“Pagdating po sa casualties, 'yung latest count po natin sa Dinagat Islands ay nasa 14 (For casualties, our latest count in Dinagat Islands was 14),” he said.

“Some of the reports are medically-related but they are still counted as casualty amid disaster-aggravating circumstances,” he added.

Crisostomo said the entire population of the province were affected by the typhoon as all homes were either partially or totally damaged.

“Ang dami pong nawalan ng bahay (Many lost their homes),” he added.

Governor Arlene 'Kaka' Bag-ao on Friday said Dinagat Islands was "leveled to the ground" by Odette and that the aftermath was "reminiscent if not worse than when Yolanda hit our province," referring to the super typhoon that hit in 2013.

WATCH: Video shows extent of damage in Dinagat Islands due to Odette

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Packs of rice meant as part of relief goods were also damaged by the typhoon, according to the information officer.

Crisostomo called for additional assistance for the victims.

According to a report on GMA News’ Unang Balita, the provincial public information office said they experienced water and power supply interruptions as well as telecommunication service problems.

Crisostomo earlier said the province was like spinning in a washing machine amid the strong winds of the typhoon.

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday called for immediate aid for Dinagat Islands over a reported scarce food supply in the aftermath of Odette.

Robredo went to Dinagat Islands and saw for herself the damage in the provincial capitol and houses.

State weather bureau PAGASA said Odette exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday. —KG, GMA News