Biliran Province reported 10 fatalities as a result of Typhoon Opong’s onslaught as of Monday’s tally, with the storm leaving behind massive destruction to homes, schools, and infrastructure.
In the towns of Caibiran and Kawayan, floods carrying mud, rocks, boulders, and debris caused multiple fatalities. Four of the 10 deaths were recorded on Maripipi Island after a storm surge.
“Based on the information is that, nasa evacuation center na sila, pero bumalik sila sa bahay nila sa may Maripipi that caused, yun yung nagka-storm surge sa gabi, kaya na ano sila, naging casualty. Very sad,” according to Director Lord Byron Torrecarion of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 8.
Opong also left two bridges impassable, though one has since been reopened.
Floodwaters and landslides rendered several areas difficult to access, while more than 30 houses were inundated and over 1,000 destroyed.
A total of 2,355 families—or 7,329 individuals—were evacuated to 78 evacuation centers across the province. Several schools were damaged, with classrooms swamped by debris-laden floodwaters.
“Pinasok yung nga silid-aralan natin, lahat hanggang tuhod yung tubig eh, after humupa na yung ano baha, yung naiwan na lang yung putik,” said Leo Reñola, school head (officer-in- charge capacity), of Busali Elementary School in San Antonio, Biliran.
Meanwhile, road clearing operations and water rationing efforts are underway in Purok Million, Barangay Punta, Ormoc City, Leyte, which was also affected by flooding.
In Northern Samar, Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan led the distribution of relief goods in San Vicente Island. Across the province, more than 1,000 houses were damaged, with 1,475 confirmed destroyed, according to Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Josh Echano.
Power restoration efforts continue in parts of Samar Island and Biliran. Overall, Typhoon Opong has affected 7,575 families—or more than 27,000 individuals—across Eastern Visayas.
