The power outage experienced in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte for at least a week now had led to problems in water supply for several residents.

This is because only a few water stations have generator sets, according to Jireh Dorothy, staff member of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and a resident of San Benito in Siargao Island.

Fisherfolk and the tourism sector are also getting affected.

“Konti lang ang water station na may generator so may iba pa na from other municipality pumupunta pa rito para bumili. Livelihood ng fisherfolk namin naapektuhan na kasi dati isang block ng ice nasa P700 - P800 lang. Ngayon, halos doble may umaabot na ng P1500. Ang ibang fisherfolk, hindi na nakakapag0-livelihood,” Dorothy said.

The prices of commodities have reportedly gone up as oil prices also skyrocketed due to the power outage.

“May ibang mga hotel, parang nalulugi na siguro sila kasi on ang generator 24/7… nagmamahalan na rin ang fuel,” Dorothy added.

The power outage started on December 1, 2024 due to a line fault in the submarine cable between Barangay Cagdianao in Claver and Barangay Doña Helen in Socorro, according to the Siargao Electric Cooperative Inc. (SIARELCO).

Electricity was expected to be restored on Sunday, December 8, after the materials needed for the repair were obtained.

However, technical experts found no sign of a line fault at the suspected portion of the submarine cable during the cable-lifting operation.

SIARECLO said divers will continue to inspect the remaining portions of the submarine cable to locate the fault.

The electric cooperative has offered free charging for residents.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) has also provided generator sets in Pilar and Sta. Monica towns. Some were used in the hospital to ensure that medical services remain unhampered.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-San Benito also provided water to the residents affected.

A state of calamity will likely be declared in Siargao Island if power will not be restored the soonest time possible, according to the provincial government.