Odette victims in Southern Leyte: Walang 'merry' pero tuloy ang Christmas

The communities in Southern Leyte said they will still celebrate Christmas  even after losing their livelihood, homes and even loved ones from the devastation of Typhoon Odette (international name: Odette).

According to Jonathan Andal's "24 Oras" report, residents there decried that their homes were washed out by Odette's onslaught.

"Bigyan ninyo po kami ng bahay na-wash-out ang bahay ko.. Maawa kayo sa akin," a resident, who is still crying from the traumatic experience, said.

(My house was washed out. Please help me find a new home. Please have mercy.)

Another typhoon victim decried that they are still looking for a place where they can sleep after their house was destroyed by the heavy rains and strong winds.

For another resident, Christmas will still continue despite the destruction from the calamity.

"Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko kahit walang merry, may Christmas pa rin sir. (Christmas is still here, even if it isn't merry, there is still Christmas.)," she said.

Authorities said 17 people were killed, 301 were injured and seven were missing in Southern Leyte, where the typhoon made its third landfall.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News