Giant waves due to Betty shatter breakwater in Batanes

Huge waves spurred by typhoon Betty proved too strong for the breakwater in Barangay Itbud in Uyugan town, Batanes as the brick barrier supposed to protect the coastal community was shattered to pieces.

"'Yan ay storm surge siguro three to four meters po ang lakas no'n. Kung mayroong magbibigay sa ating pondo kung matutulungan tayo ng ating congressman o si governor na marepair po yung seawall na yun," said Uyugan Mayor Jonathan Nanud on Jonathan Andal's report on "24 Oras."

The seawall in Diura fishing village in the town of Mahatao was also damaged due to the typhoon.

"Hindi po kami hardly hit. Gilid-gilid lang ang tumama po sa amin dito. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos at di po naging supertyphoon at typhoon lang po," Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco said.

Earlier today, the coastal waves remained strong and the Coast Guard Batanes Station personnel patrolled around the beach. Several individuals were warned after being caught trying to find cellphone signals in the area.

The Coast Guard also patrolled the boat shelters in Mahatao and said there was no reported damage on the boats that are used to transport tourists to Itbayat.

"Four days to five days sir. Oobserbahan muna namin sir. Bago kami maglabas ng abiso sir na lifted na po yung no sail policy," Coast Guard Deputy Commander James Guerrero said.

Meanwhile, tourists have started doing activities anew with the weather gradually improving in Batanes.

On Thursday, the Basco Airport will be reopened for scheduled flights to Manila.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News