Initial impressions from air indicate Virac, Catanduanes totally devastated by 'Nina'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 27): Initial impressions from air indicate Virac, Catanduanes totally devastated by 'Nina'

Initial impressions from the air seems to indicate that Virac, Catanduanes was severely devastated by Typhoon "Nina".

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla after a combined team from the AFP, Department of National Defense (DND) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) arrived in the area 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The team was headed by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año who flew there to assess "Nina's" damage to the island and confer with local officials ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's visit.

The two were met by the province's officials and personnel of the AFP-Philippine National Police detailed on the island.

"Approaching the island from the air and upon arrival, their common perception is that Virac is completely devastated. It also appears that the provinces primary source of livelihood is severely damaged. The island's coconut trees, a major source both of livelihood and sustenance were destroyed and may take five-ten years before we see signs of recovery," he added.

The abaca industry, the primary source of livelihood there was also seriously damaged and will need one or more years before it sees recovery and productivity.

"Governor Joseph Cua of Catanduanes province said that the coconut trees on the island now looked like wilted candles and except for their timber, would be useless for years to come. This is the strongest typhoon to hit us after 10 years," Padilla reported.

Cua added that despite the devastation caused by "Nina", they still consider themselves blessed since the province had zero fatalities.

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