Empty streets, stores in Borongan, E. Samar ahead of Ruby

Dec 6, 2014 6:37 PM PHT

Vincent Go

SUMMARY

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People in Borongan flock to churches and scramble to buy food ahead of Typhoon Ruby's (Hagupit) expected landfall in Eastern Samar Saturday evening

EASTERN SAMAR, Philippines — People evacuated to the Nativity of Our Lady Convent in Borongan, Eastern Samar in anticipation of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), the strongest storm to hit the Philippines this year.

Ahead of Ruby’s expected landfall in Dolores, Eastern Samar Saturday evening, December 6, huge waves continued to pound Borongan’s coastal area and littered streets with trash. Dolores is just 66 kilometers north of Borongan, the provincial capital of Eastern Samar.

The only bakery open in Borongan ran out of bread as residents scrambled to buy goods before Ruby hits land.

Bishop Crispin Varques celebrated a special Mass at the bishop’s residence to comfort evacuees in the predominantly Catholic nation.

More than 700 people evacuated to the Nativity of Our Lady Convent, and more are expected to arrive.

Rappler’s correspondent reported that signals from telecommunication company Globe are already down as of posting time.

– All photos by Vincent Go/Rappler.com