Dinagat Islands has been leveled to the ground by Super Typhoon Odette. We survived. We have yet to establish communication and access among the 7 municipalities to know the extent of the damage. Our landscape in the aftermath is reminiscent if not worse than when Yolanda hit our province.

 

Few casualties are still being confirmed in the capital municipality, with no data yet from the other towns. So far, early preparation by our communities have ensured our survival. However, we have lost our homes. Walls and roofs were torn and blown off by Odette like paper. We have a dwindling supply of food and water. Electricity and telecommunications are down. This is why we urgently and humbly ask for everyone’s help.

 

Because we have no way to reach our neighboring provinces as of this time, we sent some of our personnel from the Provincial Government to the mainland to find a way to deliver our call for help through all means possible. For now, please await further details as we establish key points for the assistance that you will kindly send our way as we try to reconnect our direct communication lines.

Our people currently need the following:

– food

– potable water

– temporary shelters

– fuel

– hygiene kits

– medical supplies

 

We need assistance in restoring electricity, running water, and telecommunications.

 

Our hospitals have also suffered significant damage rendering some of them inoperable. The fields and boats of our farmers and fisherfolk have been decimated. Most of our commercial and cargo vessels, in spite of taking all necessary precautions, are now unsuitable for sea voyages effectively cutting us off from the rest of the country.

 

We may have survived, but we cannot do the same in the coming days because of our limited capacities as an island province. Through your help, we will be able to rise again. Daghang salamat!