Typhoon Tino causes blackout, displaces over 3K people in Bacolod

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) recorded 148 storm-related incidents as of 3:54 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).

Most incidents involved fallen trees and toppled electrical posts that damaged homes and vehicles and blocked key roads due to strong winds.

A total of 2,097 families from 31 barangays were evacuated and are now staying in designated evacuation centers across the city.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) launched clearing operations along major roads to remove debris and ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles and residents.

Mayor Greg G. Gasataya assured the public that the city government is fully mobilized to respond to the situation.

“Our emergency teams are working round the clock to ensure everyone’s safety,” Gasataya said.

“We ask the public to remain calm, stay indoors when possible, and rely only on official updates from the city government.”

The local government continues to monitor the storm’s impact and urges residents to stay alert and prioritize safety by following EOC and CDRRMO advisories.

Negros Power reported that its teams have been mobilized to begin clearing operations along 69kV lines and repair damaged line equipment in affected areas.

However, high winds are still being experienced in several locations, making it unsafe for line personnel to climb poles or conduct elevated work.

For now, ground-level clearing and damage assessments will continue until weather conditions improve.

The firm thanked residents for their patience and understanding as they work to restore power safely and efficiently.

Negros Power confirmed a total blackout across its franchise area due to strong winds from Typhoon Tino affecting Bacolod City and neighboring towns.

In an official statement, the company said restoration efforts will begin as soon as conditions are safe for crews to resume full operations.

“We are all ready to process the restoration once mag hinay-hinay na ang hangin kag safe na sa aton teams kag consumers,” the company said, assuring the public in local dialect that restoration will start when winds weaken and conditions are safe.

Negros Power stressed that the safety of its workers and the public remains its top priority and that repairs cannot begin while high winds persist.

Once conditions stabilize, teams will immediately assess the extent of damage, including the number of transformers, poles, and wires that require replacement.

The company said it has enough supplies and manpower ready for full power restoration once weather permits.

Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid downed power lines, and monitor official updates from Negros Power.

In neighboring Talisay City, a report submitted to Mayor Atty. Rowena Lopez-Lizares as of noon on Nov. 4 showed that 1,062 families—or 3,669 individuals—from 22 barangays were evacuated due to storm threats.

Evacuation data from Talisay City are as follows:

• Bubog: 60 families, 245 individuals
• Concepcion: 12 families, 78 individuals
• Dos Hermanas: 10 families, 49 individuals
• Efigenio Lizares: 2 families, 8 individuals
• Matab-ang: 57 families, 216 individuals
• San Fernando: 17 families, 60 individuals
• Zone 10: 53 families, 118 individuals
• Zone 11: 6 families, 16 individuals
• Zone 12: 19 families, 76 individuals
• Zone 12A: 40 families, 131 individuals
• Zone 14A: 61 families, 174 individuals
• Zone 14B: 72 families, 235 individuals
• Zone 15: 94 families, 299 individuals
• Zone 16: 2 families, 15 individuals
• Zone 2: 17 families, 40 individuals
• Zone 3: 262 families, 999 individuals
• Zone 4: 19 families, 49 individuals
• Zone 4A: 3 families, 6 individuals
• Zone 5: 102 families, 436 individuals
• Zone 6: 64 families, 128 individuals
• Zone 7: 49 families, 151 individuals
• Zone 8: 41 families, 140 individuals

Total: 1,062 families, 3,669 individuals.