Mobo town in Masbate still needs aid after Opong

By Michael B. Jaucian

LEGAZPI CITY---Residents of Mobo town in Masbate are still in need of aid after Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) struck the province last week.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Mayor Raymund Doni Salvacion said around 98 percent of the town’s 50,000 residents across 29 barangays were severely affected, with many losing their homes.

“We are in the recovery stage, but we are in dire need of construction materials, particularly GI sheets, to rebuild their homes,” Salvacion said.

He added that most residents are currently staying in tents serving as temporary shelters.

“Power has not yet been restored in the municipality, and rechargeable or solar lamps would be a great help for affected residents,” he said.

He said relief operations continue, but local officials say more assistance is needed, particularly for rebuilding efforts./coa

Typhoon Opong left a trail of destruction in Sitio Licuson, Luyong Catungan village in Mobo town, Masbate, damaging homes. Despite the devastation, residents were thankful no one was hurt. (Photo courtesy of LGU Mobo)