Seven people were reported dead, eight missing and two injured after super typhoon “Pablo” hit parts of Negros Oriental and southern Cebu Tuesday.

Director Minda Morante of the Office of Civil Defense Region 7, reported in a briefing yesterday with Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government, at the police provincial office in Sibulan town, Negros Oriental, that two of the fatalities were from the province, four in Cebu, and one in Siquijor.

In Negros Oriental, 7,194 families were affected, or 31,716 individuals, 177 houses destroyed and 823 more damaged, even as clearing and relief operations continue.

Morante said financial assistance is ready for the casualties.

Roxas said he was impressed at how Negros Oriental prepared for the arrival of typhoon “Pablo”, and adding that he is confident the province is in good hands during calamities.

He, however, attributed only 50 percent of the good results to the work undertaken by all sectors concerned, with the remaining 50 percent to nature itself, that cooperated through the slowing down of the storm and veering away from its original path, as well as prayers.

“There are a lot of good people here that the Lord Almighty doesn’t want to be hurt or harmed,” Roxas said. “You are doing okay because the challenges were benign,” he added, as he urged local government units to further strengthen preparations against calamities.

“No matter how well prepared we were this year, we should be more prepared next year,” Roxas said.

Roxas was accompanied by Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District), chair of the provincial LP, during his visit to the province.*JG

back to top