Karding survivors in Burdeos, Quezon lose homes, livelihood; uncertain how to start anew

Typhoon Karding's ravages in Burdeos town in Quezon can be seen meters away from the coastal community, according to the "24 Oras" report of Andrew Bernardo of GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog.

The typhoon that pounced the once serene town flattened homes, ripped off roofs of school buildings, wrecked fishing boats and toppled trees and electric posts.

In Barangay Carlagan, residents stared blankly at the spot where their homes once stood, at a loss how to begin rebuilding.

"Hindi ko alam kung saan magsisimula," a teary-eyed resident said.

Violeta Ebio and her family returned to their hut, gathering what they can from the rubble to use as makeshift roof to serve as cover during the night as they sleep.

“Napakahirap, lalo na po sa aking mga anak. 'Pag gabi, ang mga anak ko hindi alam papano kami tatayo... Sa tagal po, ngayon lang nangyari sa amin ito,” she said.

Arturo Bacocanag, her husband, was able to salvage only his power saw.

"Kapit kami sa patalim ngayon, wala kaming pagiiwasan kundi sari-sariling trabaho," he said.

Their son, Lucas, showed the pencil and sharpener which he said were the only things left from his school materials.

Romualdo Sustento, chieftain of a tribal group in the village, said "Sana matulungan kami kahit sino dyang makakatulong sa akin, ngayon lang dumating sa amin ang ganito."

Jaime Luna said they are gathering materials from the destroyed houses to build temporary shelters for the residents.

"Pansamantalang tulugan, dahil hindi pa kami makakagawa ng bahay dahil wala pang pambili ng materyales," he said.

400 homes destroyed

According to barangay authorities, 400 houses and 400 families were severely affected by Karding. The residents are appealing for relief goods and materials to rebuild their homes.

“Ang kailangan po namin bukod sa relief goods na dumarating ay yun pong pangunahing masisilungan -- yero, pako, 'yung plywood, mga ganyan na pwedeng madaliang magawa,” Barangay chairman Jake Lape said.

The power supply in the area was already restored on Wednesday but potable water in the coastal community remained scarce.

Meanwhile, health officials said they are monitoring the health of residents following reports some of them are drinking seawater.

“’Yung iba nagtyatyaga na kung anong makuhang tubig kahit medyo maalat-alat dahil nasa isla. 'Yun na ang iniinom nila kaya binabantayan din namin ang pagkakataong baka mayroon pong lumambot ang dumi o saktan ng tyan,” Burdeos municipal health office Irina Mari delos Santos said.

They also called for food supplies for the affected residents and immediate counseling for those who were traumatized by the incident.

“Kailangan po nating siguraduhin na mayroon po tayong sapat na pagkain, masustansya. Mayroong malinis na tubig na inumin. 'Yung kalusugan din po sa pag-iisip...'yung mga na-traumatized o 'yung may post-traumatic stress. Sana rin makita natin at maagapan natin,” Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe of the regional Health department said.

Local officials said Barangay Carlagan was supposed to be opened to the public as a tourism destination but the plan will most likely not push through because of the effect of the typhoon.

Other residents have started repairing their residences and boats which are their main source of livelihood.

“Napakahalaga po dahil pangunahin naming panghanap-buhay talaga. Mangingisda po kami,” said Allan Brecia.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA News