Thousands Displaced, Homes Damaged by Twin Storms

By Mariela Angella Oladive and Glazyl Y. Masculino

As of October 27, a total of 2,005 families—comprising 9,437 individuals—have been evacuated due to the impacts of severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Tropical Storm Leon, according to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center.

The storms brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing significant damage and displacing thousands of residents.

At least 847 homes were reported damaged, with 74 completely destroyed and 773 partially damaged.

A total of 95 barangays were affected, with 63 trees uprooted—23 of which are still awaiting removal. Additionally, two electrical and telecommunications posts were toppled.

Flooding persists in 10 barangays, while local disaster response teams continue clearing debris, assisting with evacuations, and providing updates to residents.

“Kristine,” internationally known as Trami, was the 11th storm to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year, arriving around midnight on October 21.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm “Kong-Rey,” locally named “Leon,” entered the PAR on October 26 at 7:30 p.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA’s latest Tropical Cyclone Bulletin reported that Leon was moving westward over the Philippine Sea, with winds of 65 km/h and gusts up to 80 km/h.

Local officials continue urging residents in high-risk areas to follow safety instructions and evacuation orders.

Disaster response agencies also remind the public to monitor PAGASA advisories for updates on rainfall, thunderstorms, and other weather warnings.

Negros Occidental: ‘Kristine’ Damages 318 Houses

Typhoon Kristine caused extensive damage to 318 houses in 13 local government units (LGUs) across Negros Occidental, as heavy rains and strong winds battered the region.

According to a provincial assessment report on October 25, 286 houses were partially damaged, while 32 were completely destroyed.

Sagay City recorded the highest number of damaged houses with 84, followed by Hinoba-an with 68, and Pontevedra with 31.

Damaged houses were also reported in Cadiz City (27), San Enrique (25), Valladolid (16), Sipalay City (15), Escalante (13), Victorias (12), San Carlos (12), Cauayan (10), Isabela (4), and Hinigaran (1).

In Sipalay City, a concrete electric pole, solar panel street light, Canhambog bridge, and Baywatch tower were also partially damaged. Power interruptions occurred in Barangay Maricalum due to a fallen electric post.

A school building in Don Salvador Benedicto town was partially damaged, with losses estimated at PHP 150,000.

The typhoon affected 2,348 families or 8,452 individuals in 108 barangays across 18 areas. Cadiz City reported the highest number of evacuees with 734 families, followed by Sipalay City with 511, and Sagay City with 269.

Other affected families included those in Hinoba-an (157), Cauayan (140), Silay City (128), Pontevedra (98), Bago City (61), Valladolid (49), Hinigaran (43), Binalbagan (41), San Carlos (28), San Enrique (25), Escalante (22), Ilog (18), Victorias (12), Isabela (10), and La Carlota (2).

Agricultural damage in the province surpassed PHP 4 million, including PHP 3,221,433.90 in rice crop damage, PHP 419,578.26 in livestock losses, and PHP 575,930 in aquaculture.

A total of 206 farmers in 36 barangays across San Carlos, Sagay, Cadiz, Sipalay, and other towns were affected by rice crop damage. Livestock losses impacted eight households in six barangays in Bago City, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, and Valladolid. Fisheries were affected in Cadiz City and E.B. Magalona.