N. Samar to send aid to Region V

TACLOBAN CITY --- The Northern Samar provincial government will be sending aid to areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) in the Bicol region, an official said.

Provincial information officer Allen Berbon said food supply, water, clothing, and other essential needs of typhoon victims will be sent to the provinces of Catanduanes and Albay.

“By bringing aid to the two provinces, Gov. Edwin Ongchuan hopes to convey his gratitude to provinces and local government units, which similarly extended a hand to Northern Samar whenever the province needs help, especially in the aftermath of typhoons. It is during these difficult times that we must exhibit brotherhood among provinces,” Berbon said in an interview.

The provincial government has picked Albay and Catanduanes as recipients since the two provinces suffered the most from the violent winds and intense rains, resulting in flooding, mudslides, and loss of lives and property, according to Berbon.

The Northern Samar Electric Cooperative will also send a team to help in the immediate restoration of power of affected communities.

The provincial government asked Northern Samar residents to extend assistance and donation to typhoon victims.

Northern Samar was not spared by the super typhoon when it made landfall on Nov. 1 in Catanduanes. Although some areas of the province experienced heavy rainfall, strong winds, and big waves, damage was only minimal.

The initial report showed that about 742 families or 3,513 individuals in nine towns of the province were displaced.

In Catarman town, the provincial capital, around 50 houses in Baybay village were destroyed by big waves and strong winds.

“Rolly” is the strongest typhoon in the country this year, making four landfalls and has left 17 people dead with initial damage to agriculture pegged at PHP1.1 billion. (PNA)