Batangas, isinailalim na sa state of calamity | 24 Oras Weekend

Summary

The province of Batangas is in a state of calamity due to Typhoon Christine, causing significant destruction. A bridge connecting Laurel and Agoncillo has collapsed, leading to over 54 fatalities and many injuries. Landslides have claimed lives, including a family of five. Local authorities struggled with evacuation efforts, resulting in confusion among residents. With severe damage to infrastructure, there is an urgent need for food, water, clothing, and medical supplies for the affected communities.

Takeaways

• 🌧️ The province of Batangas is currently under a state of calamity due to the impact of Typhoon Christine.
• 🌉 A bridge in Laurel, Batangas, was destroyed by the heavy flow of the river during the typhoon.
• 🏞️ The destruction has affected five barangays in Laurel, isolating residents who are now crossing the river directly.
• 🌲 Debris from the mountains, including logs, has scattered throughout Batangas due to the floodwaters.
• 💔 As reported, there are 54 confirmed deaths, with 2 individuals still missing and many injured.
• 🏠 Many residents in Laurel are struggling with mud and destruction, as their homes have been damaged by logs.
• 🐾 Several pets perished, and vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, have been overturned along the roads.
• 👶 Tragically, three family members, including a 5-month-old baby, died in a landslide while inside their home.
• 😞 A woman is searching for her missing cousin and her 8-year-old child who disappeared during the flooding in Agoncillo.
• 🚧 Areas surrounding Taal Lake remain difficult to access, and there is a critical need for food, drinking water, clothing, sanitary kits, and medicines.

Q & A

What is the current situation in Batangas as reported in the transcript?

Batangas is under a state of calamity due to the devastation caused by Typhoon Christine, with significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life.

What specific infrastructure was reported as damaged?

A bridge connecting the towns of Laurel and Agoncillo was destroyed by the strong current of the river during the storm.

How many fatalities have been reported in Batangas?

There have been 54 reported fatalities, along with 2 missing persons and several injured individuals.

What challenges are the residents of Laurel facing?

Residents are facing difficulties crossing the river due to the destroyed bridge and are dealing with widespread flooding and debris from the storm.

What was the condition of the local pets and vehicles?

Many pets were reported dead, and both old and new motorcycles, as well as cars and trucks, were overturned and damaged along the roadside.

What tragic incident involving a family was highlighted in the report?

Three members of a family, including a 5-month-old baby, were killed in a landslide that occurred inside their home.

What efforts are being made to locate missing individuals?

A woman is searching for her missing cousin and her 8-year-old child by visiting various funeral homes and police stations.

What instructions were given to residents regarding evacuation?

Residents were advised to evacuate through a group chat, but no forced evacuation was implemented by the local officials.

What is the current state of basic services in Laurel?

Laurel is currently without electricity and water, and residents are struggling with poor cellphone signal reception.

What assistance is needed by the residents of Batangas?

There is a need for additional food, drinking water, clothing, sanitary kits, and medical supplies for the affected residents.