SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews/10 Nov) – Relief and rescue teams from several local government units in Mindanao are now in Leyte to help in the rescue and relief operatons in the area believed to be hardest hit by super typhoon Yolanda.
The teams were dispatched from the Lipata Port here as early as 2 a.m. Saturday.
Yolanda, considered the world’ strongest typhoon this year, made landfall in the Visayas five times on Friday, the sixth one in Busuanga, Palawan, leaving behind a trail of destruction along its path.
Shipping lines plying the Surigao to Southern Leyte route – through the ports of Liloan and San Ricardo in Leyte — continue to give priority to rescue and relief teams.
San Ricardo port is two hours away from Lipata while Liloan is three hours away from here.
Ruel Cayetona, operations officer of the Montenegro Shipping Lines said they have been ferrying rescue units from the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, this city and San Francisco town in Agusan del Sur.
“Most of them were medical and rescue teams with ambulances,” he said.
Wilma Maroto, an employee of the Millennium Shipping Lines said they carried firetrucks from Caraga Regional Office and heavy equipment loaded with relief goods.
Danilo Sebial of the Maharlika Shipping Lines said they are set to carry fire trucks from Bureau of Fire in Surigao, and personnel from police and military.
Manubac Macaumbos, duty guard of Lipata Port said the Bukidnon Electric Cooperative (FIBECO) sent a team with their equipment to help assist power restoration in the area.
He said several telephone companies transported their equipment via Lipata Port to help restore vital communication facilities in the area.
He said two ships left early Sunday morning loaded with relief goods and rescue teams. (Roel Catoto / MindaNews)