Masbate gov’t: 30 days ‘til power returns, did not expect severe destruction

Thirty days is the estimated time for power and electricity to be restored in Masbate, following the onslaught of the Severe Tropical Storm #OpongPH, Provincial Governor Richard Kho stated Sunday.

“We’ve talked to the electric cooperative. They gave us an estimate of one month para ma-restore ‘yong power sa buong probinsya ng Masbate, at least 30 days,” Kho said, citing information from Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Kho conveyed that the province anticipated that the storm would hit the area, but did not expect the severity of the damages and destruction.

“We already anticipated na dadaan sa amin ang bagyo, but we did not expect na ganito ang damage sa amin dahil sa sobrang lakas ng hangin, di namin inasahan na ganito ang destruction,” he said.

Kho also expressed that Opong has been the strongest typhoon to hit Masbate.

Barangay Centro Chairwoman Frances Anonuevo expressed in an interview how Opong felt it was one of the “scariest” experiences they had, evident through their destroyed homes, plants, and electricity.

“Akala ko last day na namin. Super lakas ng hangin,” Anonuevo said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that Masbate was the province most devastated by Opong, with over 16,000 families or 50,000 individuals affected.

NDRRMC has been focusing on sending assistance to affected areas.

NDRRMC spokesperson Junie Castillo reported Saturday that relief goods operations have already been situated in areas hit by the typhoon.

“So ‘yung ating response agencies, magmula kahapon and the other day, ‘yun tinututukan kung ano ang puwede nating maipadala, tulong na pwedeng i-extend doon in terms of, especially sa linya ng kuryente kasi buong probinsiya ay walang kuryente,” Castillo said in an interview on Dobol B TV on Sept. 27.

Masbate is currently under a state of calamity due to the heavy damages caused by Opong.