Twenty-nine foreign nationals were saved by the authorities after being stranded in Siargao Island in the aftermath of typhoon “Odette,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday, Dec. 20.

The rescued foreigners include nationals from France (8), United States (4), Australia (3), Denmark (2), and Switzerland (2). There were also one visitors each from Belgium, Britain, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Dutch, England, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
“We have received information that 29 foreign nationals have been evacuated from Siargao. We have an initial list of tourists that have been identified,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said.
The rescued foreigners were already being assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) while the regional disaster risk reduction and management office of Caraga (RDRRMO-13) communicated with the respective embassies for their transport back to their countries.
“According to the report of our friends from the Caraga disaster council, wala naman pong nabalitaan na foreign tourist na part of any casualty in their area (there was no report about any foreign tourist that are part of any casualty in their area),” Timbal noted.
“They are all in good condition as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard,” he added.
The NDRRMC spokesman advised concerned embassies to coordinate with the PCG for the immediate repatriation of their citizens.
Siargao Island is among the areas most affected by the typhoon.
Odette actually made its first landfall over Siargao Island, leaving many houses and famous tourist attractions destroyed including its surfing destinations.