Severe Tropical Storm Opong leaves 10 dead, 13 missing

Severe Tropical Storm Opong has caused at least 10 deaths and left 13 people missing, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Seven fatalities were reported in Biliran due to flashfloods and storm surges, while three additional deaths occurred in the Bicol Region, including Masbate.

The storm made landfall in Eastern Samar, triggering widespread flooding and affecting 15,882 families, with 2,556 families seeking shelter.

Northern Samar also evacuated 7,177 families from coastal areas.

In Eastern Samar, five fishermen remain missing, while six others who went missing after a motor banca capsized in Guiuan have been rescued.

The Province of Masbate has officially declared a state of calamity due to the severe damage incurred from the typhoon.

Relief operations are underway, and the Department of Energy has deployed Task Force Kapatid to aid in power restoration.