Batanes wakes up to Typhoon Leon damage
Metro Manila, Philippines — Authorities in Batanes began clearing operations on Thursday, Oct. 31, in the aftermath of “Leon” (international name: Kong-rey), the third successive storm to hit the province in October.
Overnight, “Leon,” a super typhoon at its peak, threatened Batanes beginning late Wednesday, bringing destructive Signal No. 5 winds.
The tropical cyclone began moving farther from the province on Thursday morning as it headed to Taiwan, but still inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Strong winds further damaged Santa Maria de Mayan Church, one of the oldest and historic churches in Itbayat town, following the impact of the 2019 Batanes earthquake.
In the capital town Basco, trees were knocked down and landslides blocked access roads.
“The successive impact of typhoons—Julian (Krathon), Kristine (Trami), and Leon—within one month has highlighted our community’s unwavering fortitude,” the Basco municipal government said Thursday as teams began to assess damage.
Government meteorologists also issued a storm surge alert in Batanes and Babuyan Islands at the height of Leon.
Waves were seen crashing into sea walls of the coastal town of Ivana.
The Batanes Electric Cooperative inspected power lines as it works to restore electricity in some communities that was cut off since Wednesday.
State radio broadcaster Radyo Pilipinas reported that 545 families or 1,575 people sought shelter in evacuation centers.
In an interview with NewsWatch Now on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco said the local government has requested more food and water to meet post-typhoon needs.
Weather permitting, around 5,500 family food packs will be sent to the province. But as the country’s northernmost province, and especially an island group 162 kilometers north of the Luzon mainland, officials might find it difficult to reach the province as soon as possible.
“Nag-request po ako sa Department of National Defense, kay Secretary Teodoro, ng C-130 para makapagdala sila dito ng family food packs,” Cayco said, citing logistical challenges.
[Translation: I requested assistance from the Department of National Defense, specifically from Sec. Teodoro, for a C-130 to bring family food packs here.]
