The Philippine Coast Guard is preparing to deploy one of its ships to bring water and food supplies to Catanduanes by Wednesday this week.

Admiral George Ursabia, Jr., Coast Guard commandant, said they are still waiting for the ship to come back from Bacolod, where it took shelter before the onslaught of the super typhoon "Rolly."

They are eyeing to send their ship loaded with water, food, and other supplies on Wednesday and will arrive in Catanduanes by Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.

“Yung isang barko natin na nag-shelter sa Bacolod paalis na this afternoon. Makakarating ng Manila bukas ng hapon para makargahan na ng relief goods. Gagamitin natin ito para makapagdala ng tubig at iba pang supplies sa Catanduanes. (One of our ships that took shelter in Bacolod is on its way to Manila this afternoon and will arrive tomorrow for loading of relief goods. We will use this to bring water and other supplies to Catanduanes),” Ursabia said in a radio interview.

For now, the commandant said the fastest way to reach affected areas in Catanduanes, which took the wrath of the super typhoon Sunday morning, is by air.

The Coast Guard deployed its two airbus light twin engine helicopters Monday to support the conduct of typhoon damage assessment and emergency response operations in Catanduanes.

The Coast Guard Aviation Force's BN Islander plane was also dispatched Monday morning to render necessary assistance to the typhoon-ravaged province and pinpoint hotspots where immediate rescue and relief missions should be prioritized.

Aside from doctors, communications personnel with high-frequency radios and portable transmitters were also transported via the aerial assets to enhance telecommunications service in the province.