Zero visibility now keeping relief goods from Aurora

First, it was the floods that kept relief goods from reaching areas hard hit by typhoon Queenie last week. Now, it's zero visibility. Authorities said Wednesday that zero visibility near Aurora province prevented helicopters airlifting relief goods from landing there. "We are still waiting for help from the national government. But the goods can be brought in only by sea or by air," dzRH radio quoted provincial officials as saying. They said that as of Wednesday morning, heavy rains and cloud cover in Aurora province severely lessened the chances of relief goods being airlifted to the province. Earlier, the Philippine National Red Cross packed relief items to be sent to Aurora, including canned goods. The provincial government said it is running out of supplies. Provincial government officials also said the local Department of Public Works and Highways is working "round the clock" to fix the road linking Baler province to Casiguran town in Aurora. Several areas of Aurora were cut off from neighboring towns after floods brought about by Queenie washed away the province's road network. Last Tuesday, Dilasag town mayor Vicente dela Cruz said floods caused by Queenie and by overflowing rivers continue to isolate several villages in his town. "Residents really need food, clothing and medicine," dzRH radio quoted him as saying. Aurora was one of the hardest-hit areas when Queenie slammed into Luzon last Saturday. Queenie made landfall in Casiguran town in the province. "Residents have had to contend with floods and also water from overflowing rivers in higher lands. We have to find ways to get the relief goods there," dela Cruz said. He said the floods had washed away the road network connecting the town to places outside it.-GMANews.TV