Typhoon Odette's impact changes mothers' thoughts about Christmas

The devastation caused by Typhoon Odette in Surigao City has affected the thoughts of some mothers about Christmas, which is just a few days away.

According to John Paolo Yap's report on "24 Oras", Evengincia Himao said she was no longer thinking about celebrating Christmas dinner as much as about food and iron sheets for her family's roof.

"Wala na po, hindi na po namin hinihiling po 'yong Pasko, ang importante 'yong pagdadasal na lang po sa araw ng Panginoon,"Evengincia said.

"Ang importante po makahanap kami ng pagkain namin at makabili kami ng yero para sa bahay namin," she added.

[This Christmas, we are not asking for anything. The most important thing is to pray, as it is the birthday of Jesus Christ. We only want to look for food and buy galvanized iron sheets.]

Dalia Peral said she no longer knew the meaning of Christmas.

"Hindi ko alam paano ang eksaktong meaning ng Pasko ngayon. Hindi ko ma-express at hindi ko maintindihan kung paano ang gagawin. 'Yong mga bata, nakakaawa," Dalia said.

[I don't know exactly what Christmas signifies these days. I was unable to express myself and have no idea how to do so. The children are in such a sad state.]

Bohol, Siargao, Surigao del Norte and the Dinagat Islands will remain without electricity over Christmas, agencies tasked to restore power in areas affected by Typhoon Odette said on Tuesday.

Residents also asked for drinking water.

Department of Energy spokesperson Felix Fuentebella said it would be “challenging” for power to be restored in the four areas by the end of the year.

Officials indicate that restoration efforts have been hampered due to difficulties in transportation and road blockages as passageways have also been hit by the typhoon.

Odette left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday after devastating many communities in the central and southern parts of the country. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/VBL, GMA News