A lawmaker says that around 600 tourists from Siargao have been repatriated after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette on the island.
“Meron pa siguro nasa more than 1,000 po ‘yung domestic tourist na na-trap dito sa Siargao kasi marami pong gustong mag-Pasko dito sana,” Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
Matugas said that tourists must go directly to the airport to board repatriation flights.
RELATED STORY: CAAP expects flight cancellations until Feb 2022 over Surigao, Siargao airport closures
“We will prioritize first ‘yung PWD, seniors, at mothers with children kasi limitado ‘yung seats,” he added.
The lawmaker adds that sending relief to all affected areas continues to be a big challenge.
“Mahirap pong magparating ng relief goods dito dahil mahirap kasi ang transport at walang communication,” he said.
READ ON: Lawmaker: Almost 99% of locals, tourists in Siargao affected by Odette
Odette is considered to be the strongest typhoon that hit the Philippines this year.
Half a million individuals are now homeless following the devastation caused by the typhoon. (TDT)
