Typhoon Opong caused severe damage in Oriental Mindoro, leaving thousands of families homeless. According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), about 4,550 houses were slightly damaged and 618 were completely destroyed in various towns in the province.
One of those most affected is Abelardo Sol, 79 years old from Pola. His wife passed away in August due to a serious illness. Now, he has lost his home after the strong winds of Typhoon Opong destroyed his home. He is now living with only his pet dog and is struggling to make a living as a farmer because of his asthma. His only wish is to be able to rebuild his house.
In the town of Matulatula, Edilberto Aguilar's house collapsed. He was accompanied by his wife, Nita, who suffers from paralysis, and their grandson. They also have no source of income after the typhoon destroyed their banana plantation. It will take another six months for their crops to recover. All they want now is a simple house, food, and a little money for medical treatment.
The local government provided initial aid such as rice and food packs. They also promised emergency shelter assistance for those who lost their homes. Meanwhile, in the town of Mansalay where the typhoon first hit, strong winds lasted for almost four hours. The local government is requesting tin, food, and financial assistance especially since students need them for school fees.
Damage to agriculture, including extensive banana and rice plantations, has reached ₱895 million. Meanwhile, damage to infrastructure is ₱145 million. To date, more than 60,183 families or 207,232 people have been affected by Typhoon Opong. Oriental Mindoro is also set to declare a state of calamity due to the extent of the damage.
