Odette leaves at least 51 dead, P600-M infrastructure damage in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – At least 51 people have died in Negros Oriental in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, according to an initial report from the province’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (LDRRMD).

The LDRRMD’s report recorded deaths in 13 out of 25 cities and municipalities as of 8:00 am, December 20. Those injured stood at 76, while 26 missing persons were recorded.

Here is the breakdown provided by the Negros Oriental LDRRMD:

Deaths: 51

• Bais City – 12
• Manjuyod – 10
• Bindoy – 9
• Mabinay – 5
• Guihulngan City – 3
• Jimalalud – 2
• Tayasan – 2
• Dauin – 2
• Bayawan City – 2
• Canlaon City – 1
• Tanjay City – 1
• Dumaguete City – 1
• Bacong – 1

Injured: 76

• Tayasan – 18
• Manjuyod – 16
• Bais City – 15
• Bindoy – 14
• Mabinay – 3
• San Jose – 3
• Ayungon – 2
• Canlaon City – 2
• Jimalalud – 1
• Tanjay City – 1
• Bacong – 1

Missing: 26

• Bais City – 19
• Mabinay – 4
• Manjuyod – 3

The Provincial Engineer’s Office also estimates at least P600 million in infrastructure damage initially reported in 8 LGUs.

Given the extent of the damage, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) recommended the declaration of a state of calamity in the province during their meeting on December 20.

These figures are expected to rise as more local government units (LGU) from the hardest-hit areas submit their reports.

In a December 20 advisory from the Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative (NORECO I), there is still no definite timetable for power restoration in their coverage area. Around 500 poles along its backbone lines were toppled, based on an initial assessment. 

NORECO I serves the province’s northern portion, including Mabinay, Bais City, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City, Vallehermoso, and Canlaon City. Many of these towns bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette, which made landfall in La Libertad on midnight of Friday, December 17.     

Meanwhile, power is back in parts of Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative’s coverage area – including Dumaguete City, Dauin, Bacong, Valencia, Sibulan, and San Jose, as of 12:00 pm on December 20.

Telecommunication lines are also still down in Bais City, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, and La Libertad, while the rest of Negros Oriental have fully to partially-functioning network coverage, according to the LDRRMD report.

COVID-19 protection

While the focus is currently on typhoon relief operations, Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr Liland Estacion reminded people to continue observing minimum health protocols, such as wearing face masks.

In an online press briefing on December 20, Estacion said the provincial government is ready to provide face masks to typhoon victims who lost their homes and property.

Estacion also asked LGUs to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are stored in the required temperature. Areas with problems in power may ask the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Dumaguete City to keep the vaccines safe.  

Typhoon Odette has cost an estimated P5 million each in damage to the province’s community primary hospitals, Estacion reportedly told the PDRRMC.  – Rappler.com