QUEZON CITY -- Disaster managers of Typhoon Odette-affected regions gathered early this morning for an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) briefing conducted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

According to Region X DRRMC, there was one reported casualty in Bukidnon but the information is yet to be verified.

Region VI DRRMC, meanwhile, reported power interruptions in Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and portions of Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo.

Other affected areas such as Region I, II, IVB, V, VI, IX, X, XI, and CARAGA are also being monitored for developments in the local response operations.

On the other hand, Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) activities and logistic support on the ground are ready for deployment. The AFP Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) reported that there are four available air assets that have been prepared for these missions: two are going to Butuan, and two are currently being used by EastMinCom. Additional two helicopters (Bell 412) are yet to arrive from Zamboanga to augment EastMinCom operations

CARAGA Regional DRRMC, who joined the meeting via satellite phone, was instructed by the NDRRMC to conduct RDANA as well their Department of Information and Communications (DICT) teams be transported to Siargao.

Regional Offices were reminded to continue giving real-time updates to the NDRRM Operations Center as well as conduct RDANA across all affected Local Government Units (LGUs).

NDRRMC Executive director, Usec. Ricardo Jalad reiterated that regions must coordinate with DICT for proper utilization of the Government Emergency Communications System (GECS) and VSAT/Satellite equipment.

Present also in the meeting were Asec. Casiano Monilla of OCD, Dir. Rafaelito Alejandro IV of OCD- Operations Center, representatives from the Disaster Councils of Regions I, II, IV-B, V, VI, IX, X, XI, and CARAGA, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) along with other regional government agencies and private organizations partners. (NDRRMC)