DAVAO CITY — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Dinagat Islands reported that 27,780 houses have been totally damaged due to Typhoon Odette as of Thursday, Dec. 23.
In its Facebook post on Sunday, Dec. 26, the provincial government said 3,085 houses were partially damaged across the seven municipalities in the islands.
Meanwhile, the provincial government said that cases of acute gastroenteritis had been reported in the towns of Cagdianao, Tubajon, and San Jose.
"Acute gastroenteritis have been reported in the Municipalities of Cagdianao (Maatas, Mabini, and R. Ecleo), Tubajon (Malinao), and San Jose," it said.
It added that 40 patients suffering from acute gastroenteritis were admitted to the Dinagat District Hospital (DDH).
The provincial government added that they are preparing for possible gastroenteritis outbreaks due to the lack of access to clean drinking water. It said four cases of dengue were also reported in the province.
Due to the damage in the province, a temporary field hospital was set up in the PDRRMC Emergency Operations Center.
The provincial government is continuously coordinating with various organizations and national government agencies to facilitate the delivery and distribution of relief goods to the residents.
"We thank all those who have given support to our people in these difficult times. Padayon ang bayanihan alang sa Dinagat Islands! (Let us continue our cooperation for Dinagat Islands)," it added.
In a statement on Sunday, Dec. 26, the provincial government said a task force was also sent by Provincial Gov. Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao to Butuan City to meet with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez and other humanitarian partners, including, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz, New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell, and Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson. The officials all pledged support for the relief and recovery efforts in the islands.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan placed the entire province of Dinagat Islands under a state of calamity on Dec. 20.
Under Provincial Resolution No. NPDJ - 9164, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said that as per the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) assessment, 22 died while 181 were injured due to Typhoon Odette.