Odette survivors in Dinagat Islands celebrate New Year's Eve

Several residents in Dinagat Islands are set to celebrate a simple and meaningful New Year’s Eve despite being left in devastation by Typhoon Odette.

According to Jandi Esteban’s GMA Regional TV One Mindanao report on Friday, residents were preparing a simple celebration after their province was pummeled by Odette.

“Ang handa namin ngayong New Year, yung ka-isa isa kong manok natira sa farm ‘yun na lang yung nadampot ko, ‘yan ang natira na buhay dahil wala ubos talaga lahat,” resident Rene Boy said.

(The food that we prepared for this New Year’s Eve is the chicken I caught in the farm. That was the only animal in the farm, there’s really nothing left.)

Rex Tinako, another resident, also slaughtered the remaining pig he owned to sell to his neighbor so they can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a simple feast.

“Para makapag-celebrate pa rin tayo ng New Year kahit sinalanta tayo ng kalamidad. Tuloy pa rin ang New Year. Nagpasalamat sa Panginoon na buhay pa rin tayo,” he said.

(We can still celebrate the New Year even if disaster devastated us. New Year’s Eve will still be celebrated. We thanked the Lord that we are still alive.)

Meanwhile, residents also appealed for help and donations as their homes were severely destroyed.

“Masakit sa pakiramdam na makita ‘yung aming bahay, nakakalungkot,” resident Porsena Mendoza said.

(It pains me to see our house destroyed, it’s sad.)

“Nasira naman ‘yung bahay namin, mabuti na lang sana kung mabibigyan kami ng ayuda ng gobyerno,” Jael Mendoza, another resident, said.

(Our house was damaged, it would be good if the government will extend assistance so we can rebuild.)

The reported death toll due to Typhoon Odette has climbed to 405, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Friday.

The agency said the most affected areas were Palawan, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News