If 2007 was considered a success in Catanduanes due to the absence of serious injuries due to firecracker explosions, then 2008 is a certified disaster for health officials, with at least three people hurt in noisy New Year celebrations.

An "atomic bomb" firecracker blew away most of the fingers on the right hand of 20-year old Angelito Benavidez of barangay Bigaa,Virac last Dec. 31, 2008, necessitating amputation of the affected part at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center last Friday afternoon (Jan. 2).

Fermil Joel Bagadiong, team leader of the DOH Provincial Health Team, told the Tribune that reports from the Provincial Health Office identified two more casualties: 6-year old Renalyn Torregoza of Palta Salvacion, who suffered second-degree burns from a "Five Star" firecracker blast on her right leg; and, Rey Gualberto, 32, of Cavinitan, Virac, who sustained a lacerated wound on the left foot from an exploding "kwitis."

One other person from Sta. Elena reportedly sustained injury as a result of a similar blast but the victim allegedly chose not to go to the hospital. The PHO and the DOH team have yet to receive reports from the eight district hospitals as well as rural health units.

The number of casualties was surprising to most residents, who believed that compared to the previous year, there were fewer explosions this year due to the heavy rains and tight economic situation. Noticeably, there were less firecrackers and pyrotechnics on sale at makeshift stands at the Virac town plaza and other areas.

The Virac police nevertheless did a sweep of the `cracker stands along the national road at barangay San Jose, confiscating scores of "Super Lolo," "Lolo Thunder," "Og," and "Bawang" firecrackers.