At least four people have been reported dead in the Bicol region, while six remain missing in Eastern Visayas due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, according to the Office of Civil Defense Region 5.
In a report of RH Edniel Parrosa during a situation briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said that Opong first made landfall in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, at around 11:30 p.m. on September 25, before hitting Palanas, Masbate early Friday morning, September 26.
Then Opong made several more landfalls across Masbate and nearby provinces as it moved toward Mimaropa before noon.
According to OCD Region 5 Director Claudio Yucot, three of the reported fatalities were from Masbate, while one person in Camarines Norte died after being struck by lightning.
“Nararamdaman natin yung Opong started kagabi, hanggang ngayon on going pa rin ang effects niya Region 8, Region 5, and papasok na [Region] IV B… And in fact nararamdaman na rin dito sa Southern Luzon at Metro Manila,” Alejandro said.
Masbate Governor Richard Kho appealed for national government support, requesting air assistance following the widespread destruction in the province. Authorities said at least 182 barangays in Masbate have been affected.
Based on PAGASA's latest update, Opong has made six landfalls as of 2:00 PM:
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San Policarpio, Eastern Samar – 11:30 p.m. (Sept 25)
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Palanas, Masbate – 4:00 a.m. (Sept 26)
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Milagros, Masbate – 5:30 a.m.
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San Fernando, Romblon – 8:10 a.m.
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Alcantara, Romblon – 9:20 a.m.
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Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro – 11:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC warned that Metro Manila may experience the storm’s peak intensity between Friday night and Saturday morning, with storm signals possibly raised to Signal No. 3.
Despite the threat, the agency assured the public that government relief resources are ready. the NDRRMC said that Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has enough stockpiles for immediate release, while P3 billion in standby funds remain available to assist affected families.
