TACLOBAN CITY—Survivors of Tropical Storm “Urduja” (international name: Kai-tak) in two Biliran towns find no reason to celebrate Christmas other than to be grateful for being alive. “It is difficult to be joyous knowing that many of the people were sad over the loss of loved ones,” said Helen Palahos, 42 and resident of the village of Lucsoon in Naval town, one of the areas hardest hit by Urduja. Palahos’ house was just 200 meters from where the landslide struck. Other residents said they would celebrate Christmas just to be thankful for being alive. Surviving Urduja, according to Nida Palompon, 55, was more reason to celebrate Christmas.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 24, 2017 21:11 UTC