Typhoon Odette causes deaths, widespread damage in Cebu

Typhoon Odette has caused significant damage across Cebu, resulting in fatalities and widespread disruption of essential services.

Seven persons died in Mandaue City when a structure collapsed.

The typhoon made landfall near Carcar City, affecting several neighboring towns in both the southern and northern parts of Cebu province.

Residents experienced the typhoon's fury starting Thursday night, with strong winds damaging houses and other structures.

By mid-morning of Friday, December 17, many areas of Metro Cebu remained without power, potable water, Internet service or basic telecommunications connections.

Long lines of vehicle owners crammed the few gasoline stations that were able to open as most parts of Metro Cebu were still without power as of 7:45 p.m. of December 17.

Many residents were left dazed in the wake of the typhoon, with some seeking power sources to charge their mobile phones and others turned away by hotels struggling with the lack of power.