Five days after Super Typhoon Meranti barreled over the Batanes Islands at peak intensity, the island of Itbayat finally has contact with the outside world again.
Updated 8:30am EDT, 9/18
Widely shared images of Itbayat inside Super Typhoon Meranti’s eye earlier this week drew both awe and concern. After days without contact, relief teams have finally reached the island.
Wind speeds on Itbayat may have reached up to 185 mph. As with most cases of winds this intense, the island appears to have been heavily damaged. The island of Batan to the south of Itbayat was spared the most intense eye wall winds, yet also suffered major damage.
The first relief flight managed to land in Basco on Saturday. According to the relief mission, generators, rice, medicine, and food had also been delivered to Itbayat on Sunday.
Relief goods for #FerdiePH survivors finally arrive in Basco, Batanes Saturday afternoon. #ReliefPH pic.twitter.com/RozuJn5x6g | @VoltaireTupaz
— MovePH (@MovePH) September 17, 2016
Additionally, a reconnaissance flight took place to assess the damage. Further damage surveys over the coming days will help the Philippine Air Force plan the delivery of more supplies and communication equipment.
Look: Itbayat after #FerdiePH https://t.co/pRRcXaKHKT pic.twitter.com/yke2BwFAHb
— MSN Philippines (@msnph) September 18, 2016
An initial loss estimate from the provincial governor is around 225 Million Philippine Pesos or 4.7 Million US Dollars. The full extent of damage to life and property on Itbayat remains uncertain.
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