Severe Tropical Storm Opong leaves 3 dead, 10 injured in Masbate

Severe Tropical Storm Opong made landfall in Masbate, causing damage with strong winds and heavy rains.

Masbate is the hardest hit province by Opong, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Three people were confirmed dead and 10 injured in Masbate due to the storm.

Two fatalities in Masbate City were caused by a collapsed wall and drowning, respectively, while another death in Monreal was due to a fallen tree.

Residential houses and several establishments were damaged, and power supply was cut off in some parts of Masbate City.

For the entire province of Masbate, 6,680 families or 21,861 individuals have been affected by Opong in 182 villages across 20 municipalities and one city in the province.

Governor Richard Kho appealed for air assets to assist in sending relief goods to the province, as many roads are impassable.

Opong made landfall six times, with two landfalls occurring in the towns of Palanas and Milagros in Masbate.