The tropical storm Urduja left five bridges damaged, leaving the small island province in Biliran a serious problem as it was disconnected from Leyte.
Biliran is now under a state of calamity.
The separation of Biliran from Leyte due to a damaged bridge have doubled the difficulty of the community in sustaining and recovering their main needs such as food and water. According to Caritas Philippines, panic buying has occurred.
Leyte Gov. Dominic Petilla said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart that the local government would have to use Coast Guard boats to transport relief.
Meanwhile, due to the unfortunate incident, bringing in heavy equipment to assist in clearing off the landslides has become extra difficult which prompted Petilla to ask the Philippine Navy to lend their RO/RO (roll-on/roll-off) vessels in order for the Leyte government to send heavy equipment to Biliran.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 18 / 17)