Editorial: Let’s help those affected by Odette

ON DECEMBER 14, 2021, Typhoon Odette (International name: Rai) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Two days later, on December 16, it made landfall in Siargao Island.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said when Odette made landfall, it had a maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, with gustiness of up to 240 km/h and a central pressure of 815 hectopascals.

For the next couple of days, Odette ravaged portions of the Visayas and Mindanao. Areas in the Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and the Caraga Region are among those that were gravely affected by Typhoon Odette.

Photos and videos on social media show how much destruction Odette left along its path.

Areas ravaged by Odette are also experiencing total power blackout and no running water. In a report by SunStar Cebu, power, water, and telecommunication services were down in Cebu Island following the destruction of Odette. Similar situations were also reported in Negros Oriental, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao.

Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao said in a social media post that “Dinagat Islands has been leveled to the ground by Super Typhoon Odette.”

“Our hospitals have also suffered significant damage rendering some of them inoperable. The fields and boats of our farmers and fisherfolk have been decimated. Most of our commercial and cargo vessels, in spite of taking all necessary precautions, are now unsuitable for sea voyages effectively cutting us off from the rest of the country,” Bag-ao said.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as of 6 a.m. of December 19, 2021, some 780,800 persons or 202,650 families in 2,322 barangays in eight regions were affected by Odette’s onslaught.

As of 12 noon of December 19, 2021, the power, water, and telecommunication services in some of the areas ravaged by Odette have slowly returned. Different government units and groups have already started to help in the recovery process of the areas affected by the typhoon.

For those living in Davao and other parts of Mindanao, the Midanao Development Authority has organized a donation drive dubbed as Duyug Hinabang.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) joins in prayer and calls for in-kind donations for our fellow Mindanaoans affected by the typhoon,” Minda said in a social media post.

These in-kind donations may be dropped off in any of Minda’s offices: MinDA Main Office, GOCC 3, Ritz Hotel, Porras St. Barrio Obrero, Davao City; Western Mindanao office, 3F BHW Building, Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City; South Central Mindanao office, 2F KL Building, Alunan Avenue, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Koronadal City; Northern Mindanao office, Door 5, 3rd floor, Jofelmor Building, Motorola Street, Cagayan de Oro City; and Northeastern Mindanao, 2F Nimfa Tiu Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City.

Aside from Minda, several private individuals and organizations have also started their donation or fund-raising campaign for the benefit of those who were affected by the typhoon. A quick search on social media will show who these people or groups are.

No matter the amount of your donation, each donation you give will go a long way in helping those who were affected by Typhoon Odette.