I'm taking some time away from packing and making preparations to depart for the Central Philippines this weekend to write an update on where I'm heading. We've all seen the horrific scenes coming out of devastated Tacloban City, but Super Typhoon Yolanda's furry damaged a swath of the Philippines the size of Montana.
My destination of Bohol Island was the epicenter of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck one month ago today. Aftershocks still continue on Bohol with a 4.8 magnitude on Wednesday and a 4.6 magnitude today. Bohol lost its source of power from the geothermal power stations on adjacent Leyte Island where there was massive damage to the transmission lines from Yolanda's 195 MPH winds.
Power out in Bohol
By Kevin A. Lagunda
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said there is still a province-wide power outage in Bohol. The province’s main source of electricity is from a power plant in Leyte, which was damaged by Yolanda. Samar Island also depends on nearby Leyte for its power.
The restoration of the plant may take two months, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) reported.
Last Nov. 3, NDRRMC reported in its website that electricity was fully restored in 22 of the 26 quake-hit towns. Bohol was still experiencing aftershocks that day.
But yesterday, the Bohol Provincial Government started rationing 15 megawatts power supply. The source is from a diesel power plant and hydro power plants in Loboc and Sevilla towns.
Electricity was restored in some parts of Tagbilaran City. Hospitals, commercial establishments, and water suppliers are given priority in the power rationing.
As result of the massive brownouts, Lurot and Suarez said their water supply is also affected. They said their secondary source of water are deep and artesian wells.
Little Light Ahead for Typhoon Ravaged Philippines
By Cris Larano
After doing aerial surveys, however, he admitted, that for millions of Filipinos in these devastated islands, Christmas this year would be dark.
“I initially said two months,” Mr. Jericho told local reporters earlier this week. “But as you see the extent of the damage, you suddenly realize that you are actually looking at more than two months.”
Conditions are likely to be primitive at Project Bohol, at least for the near future. So I am packing a solar battery charger, some LED lanterns, a water filter, and solar shower along with my tent.
Food packs are now being distributed to the disaster victims on Bohol by a private charity sponsored by Epson. Epson, PBSP give out relief goods to Bohol
I depart home on Sunday evening, and arrive on Bohol on Wednesday morning. With all the infrastructure problems it may be some time before I can post a diary from Bohol. All Hands Volunteers is now looking into setting up an additional disaster relief project in the Tacloban City area, but the infrastructure there needs to be functioning before All Hands Volunteers can get a new project up and running there.
After I land at Bohol's airport on Wednesday I'll be crossing the fallen Abatan Bridge in Cortes to get to my new temporary home.
You can help cover All Hands Volunteers costs to help me and other volunteers like me can help to tackle the monumental task of rebuilding. All their volunteers pay for their own transportation so the money you give is used to keep the operation ongoing.
Help All Hands Volunteers cover the costs of my three weeks working with Project Bohol