MANILA, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in the province of Biliran after tropical storm Urduja damaged five bridges, cutting the island off. The isolation has sparked panic buying while food and water continue to be a problem in Biliran, according to a report from Caritas Philippines. Dominic Petilla said that the damaged bridge connecting Biliran Island from Leyte is a major challenge as the local government would have to use Coast Guard boats to send relief. Compared to supertyphoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in 2013, Urduja mostly damaged roads and bridges, according to the Leyte governor. RELATED: 'Urduja' causes P6M in damage to Romblon roads, bridges

Source: Philippine Star December 18, 2017 02:48 UTC