Uwan’s storm surges rob Catanduanes seaside residents of homes

Several residents of Barangay Tubli, a coastal community in Caramoran, Catanduanes, no longer have safe shelters where they can rest their weary bodies after storm surges from then Super Typhoon Uwan swept away their houses.

In Joseph Morong’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, some residents were seen still trying to salvage household items that they can still use. 

“Hindi ko po alam kung saan ako magsisimula. Pero kailangan kong bumangon kasi may dalawang anak po ako,” Jocelyn Persia tearfully said.

(I don’t know how to start again. But I need to get up on my feet because I have two children relying on me.) 

“Gamit lang talaga ang kailangan namin i-pundar, kung sakaling may magandang pusong tumulong sa amin para maka-rekober,” said Erlina Galicia.

(We need essentials to rebuild, in case there are kind-hearted people who will help us recover.) 

The affected residents also struggle with the lack of food following Uwan’s devastation.

“Kahit pagkain. ‘Di pa kami kumakain. Kumain lang kami sa hipag ko, sa kapatid ng asawa ko. ‘Yun lang po hingi lang po ako ng kaunting tulong. ‘Yun lang po,” said Sonia Dela Cruz. 

(Even just food. We haven't eaten yet. We only ate at my sister-in-law’s place, my husband’s sister. That’s all, I am just asking for a little help. That’s all.) 

Despite losing their homes in an instant, some residents remain optimistic that they will eventually get back on their feet – especially with the Christmas season just around the corner.

“Laban lang tayo kahit tayo [ay] ganito. Kahit kaunting tulong, sama-sama tayo. Bangon tayo!” said Noli Palero.

(Let’s keep fighting even if we are in this situation. With a little help, let’s stick together. Let’s get up!) 

People living in the coastal communities of Barangay Sabangan in Caramoran and in Barangay Baldok in Pandan are in the same boat after their homes were swept away by storm surges.

Residents of Catanduanes are also worried about their sources of livelihood. This is because the forests and mountains that bear coconuts and abaca for their living were stripped bare by the typhoon.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and local governments units are coordinating with one another on the rehabilitation of forests and mountains in Catanuanes. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News