Falling debris hurts 7 in Masbate, zero death in Bicol

MANILA, Philippines – Although there are no reports of deaths in the entire Bicol region, 7 people in Masbate suffered “slight injuries” due to falling debris, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said on Monday, December 8. 

Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) made its second landfall on the island province Sunday morning, December 7, causing storm surges as high as 10 to 15 feet that flattened coastal houses and cut electricity. 

“The wounds of the 7 casualties in Masbate are caused by falling debris,” said Guzman. “There is no report of death caused by Typhoon Ruby in the Bicol region,” he added.

As of Monday morning, Masbate was still experiencing moderate to heavy rains but there were no more storm surges. Electricity was cut but communication lines remain “fair,” said Guzman. (READ: Masbate now under state of calamity)

The airport in Masbate was clear for landing and the road networks were passable “except in Mobo and Mandaon, Bantongan spillway” because of overflow. The weather was not safe for choppers as of 8 am.

But evacuees in Sorsogon, Albay and Catanduanes started returning to their homes Monday morning. 

Guzman said Solcom has shifted to relief operations in the Bicol region, while troops continue to monitor the typhoon’s impact as it heads to Romblon and Mindoro – provinces also covered by the military command’s area of responsibility.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster response and rapid damage assistance teams are ready to be deployed, Guzman added. – Rappler.com