11 People kills by Yolanda in Capiz, Iloilo

Eleven people were reported dead in the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo as super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) hit the country.

As of press time, five have died in Ilo-ilo while more than 35,000 people have been displaced. Meanwhile, six people were reported dead and 10 missing in Capiz.

According to aerial inspection of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC-Western Visayas) on Saturday, typhoon Yolanda has caused widespread devastation in the region with northern Panay Island suffering the most.

RDRRMC-Western Visayas still cannot ascertain the number of displaced as majority of the areas still have no communication lines or electricity.

Brigadier General Arnold Quiapo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB), said that relief and rescue operations are now underway via helicopters of the Philippine Air Force as majority of roads and bridges are still impassable.

Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) across the region have been declaring a state of calamity.

Iloilo Vice Governor Raul Tupas said the Iloilo Provincial Board has convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to declare a state of calamity in the province as Yolanda’s fifth landfall directly hit the town of Concepcion.

Tupas, the acting governor, said the devastation is mounting.

Aside from the destruction, Tupas said that another problem has risen Friday morning as floodwaters are seeping through residential areas of central Iloilo towns.

Antique Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao also urged for the declaration of state of calamity in the province.

More than 32,000 people in Antique have been displaced.

Mayor Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City in Negros Occidental province has also asked for a state of calamity declaration.