Bantayan Island, 3 Cebu towns completely isolated


Three towns in Bantayan Island remain cut off

Though Super Typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan) is out of the Philippines, at least 6 municipalities in Cebu remain completely isolated, with all modes of communication cut off since Friday, November 8, and roads impassable to vehicles.

All three towns in Bantayan Island – Sta Fe, Madridejos and Bantayan – still cannot be reached. Bantayan Island is known for its white sand beaches and is a popular escape for Cebuanos and tourists alike.

Bantayan Mayor Cris Escario said at least 7 died in the town.

As provincial relief teams push north to deliver much-needed aide, Bantayan Island remains cut off because of big waves, the Philippine News Agency reported.

Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Neil Sanchez said he does not want to risk the lives of responders.

Bibi delos Reyes and a team from the Airworks Aviation Academy surveyed Bantayan Island and Daanbantayan Saturday, November 9, showing the extent of devastation in the towns:

The towns of Bogo, Medellin and Daanbantayan in northern Cebu still cannot be reached by Internet, telephone, radio or cellular phone, according to the Philippine Police Region 7 Office. News reports say roads in the localities are either damaged, flooded, or blocked by debris, making it impossible for vehicles to pass through and bring much-needed relief goods to typhoon victims.

In Bogo, water supply and power have also been cut off. At the height of the storm, 6 died while 35 are injured and two are missing, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 7 Office.


Several major buildings were unable to withstand the power of Yolanda. The town's Gaisano Mall caved in while the public market, bus terminal, two schools and San Vicente Ferrer Church sustained damages.

In Medellin, around 90% of houses are partially or totally damaged, estimated its mayor Ricardo Ramirez,

Regional police also said 6 areas in Cebu City suffered from landslides. At least 105 trees were uprooted in Cebu and Bohol, the regional police office added.

The Philippine Information Agency for Central Visayas is calling for donations of food, water, blankets, mats and medicines badly needed by evacuees in the 3 towns. Earth movers like dumptrucks and payloaders are also urgently needed to clear out roads and establishments.

Since entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on November 7, Yolanda – said to be the strongest typhoon this year – has decimated everything in its path, and caused destructive 17-foot-high storm surges and devastating landslides. Hundreds are feared dead. It exited the Philippines in the afternoon of Saturday, November 9.


Source:-
http://www.rappler.com/nation/43319-...ities-isolated