Solar-powered lights get brisk sales in Surigao as power yet to be restored

Residents in Surigao del Norte flocked to markets to purchase solar-powered lights as most areas hit by Typhoon Odette still had no power.

According to a GMA Regional TV News report, residents prefer to buy solar-powered lamps to keep their houses lit instead of candles, which could cause house fires.

The Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Surneco) said it is working double time to restore electricity in more areas.

So far, it has revived 15%  of the electricity supply. Surneco is working to restore 90% electricity by January 2022.

As of January 1, government data showed Odette claimed the lives of 75 people and affected 1,140,118 families in Mindanao and Visayas areas.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News