While most parts of Region 8 were groping in the dark because of the power failure brought about by typhoon Seniang, one house was razed by fire caused by candlelight at Barangay San Roque, a coastal barangay in Tanauan, Leyte.

The information was relayed by Mayor Roque Tiu who informed that the fire reportedly, started at about 8:00 o’clock in the evening of December 9. In a show of true bayanihan spirit, the neighbors served as a fire brigade forming a long line getting sea water at the nearby shore to put off the fire.

No one was reported hurt in the fire and no adjacent house was affected by the fire, Mayor Tiu said.

Mayor Tiu advised the residents not only in Tanauan but also in the other areas of the Region which are still experiencing darkness due to power failure, to be very careful in lighting up candles. He urged the public to make sure candles are placed in candle holders and must be covered with glass covers, or else, they must be placed inside empty cookie cans so that even if the candle topples down or melts, it will not catch other ignitable materials.

Better still, never leave the candles in a room without any person and don’t leave the candle lighted when going to bed, he added.

While some areas in Tacloban City were energized at about 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon of December 10, most parts of Leyte and Samar remain under darkness because of fallen and cut electric wires.

The whole of Eastern Visayas is under at least ten electric cooperatives. The Leyeco II electric Cooperative which provides electric power to the residences in Palo, Tacloban and Babatngon only is expected to be the first to bring back electric power services.

Some people opined that it is better that the power service is not restored yet because there are so many lines, including that in the schools, offices and residences which have yet to be inspected by electricians.