Typhoon Tino leaves 32 dead, 54 missing in Negros Island

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — At least 32 people have died and 54 others remain missing across the Negros Island Region (NIR) following the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino, according to the latest report from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) released Thursday, November 6.

Three people were injured as the typhoon unleashed heavy rains, floods, and landslides that struck several parts of central and southern Negros, particularly in La Carlota, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, and Sipalay City.

RDRRMC data showed that 171,838 people, or 49,926 families in 513 barangays, were affected by the typhoon, prompting widespread preemptive evacuations.

More than 10,753 families, or 36,567 people, moved to safer areas before the storm’s landfall, while 52,377 individuals remain in evacuation centers as of the latest report.

Flooding reached ceiling-high levels in La Carlota and Moises Padilla, while neck-deep waters were reported in Pontevedra.

A major landslide occurred in Camp Valdez, Sipalay City, and a muddy stream flow was recorded in Barangay Biak-na-Bato, La Castellana, on November 4.

Authorities confirmed damage to 329 houses, including 28 that were totally destroyed, but no major infrastructure or agricultural losses have been reported so far.

Power interruptions were experienced in 18 areas across Negros and Siquijor, while two communication lines were disrupted in Pontevedra and Canlaon.

The RDRRMC said total humanitarian assistance amounting to PHP 11.18 million has been provided to affected families.

As of Thursday, La Carlota, La Castellana, and Toboso have declared a state of calamity, while several other areas — including Ilog, Talisay City, Valladolid, Murcia, and Hinoba-an — have extended the suspension of work and classes until November 7.

Despite the regional casualties, Bacolod City reported zero deaths during Typhoon Tino’s onslaught.

Mayor Greg Gasataya credited this to early coordination, community cooperation, and the city’s preemptive evacuation measures.

“For whatever it’s worth, we really thank everyone who heeded the call for preemptive evacuation. In my assessment, we really saved a lot of lives,” Gasataya said.

The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) reported that 7,296 families, or 25,179 individuals, from 43 barangays were evacuated starting Monday, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities from the Home for the Blind in Barangay Mansilingan.

As of November 5, 3,652 families, or 16,927 individuals, remain in evacuation centers.

Gasataya directed barangay officials to submit reports on inaccessible roads to expedite clearing operations led by the City Engineer’s Office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

The mayor assured that all roads would be cleared within two days, adding that power restoration is underway after 69 electric poles fell across the city.

PrimeWater announced that the water supply has been fully restored.

Classes in all levels, both public and private, remain suspended until November 7, while government operations are set to resume Thursday.

The city is also deploying generator sets to water refilling stations to support affected communities.

Gasataya said the City DRRMC has recommended the declaration of a state of calamity, which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is set to deliberate in a special session.

In neighboring Talisay City, Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lizares likewise reported zero casualties, commending residents and responders for their discipline and readiness.

“Your discipline, vigilance, and unity have once again proven that together, we can weather any storm,” Lizares said.

She expressed gratitude to frontliners, uniformed personnel, the City DRRMO, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), barangay officials, rescue teams, and all Talisaynons who cooperated with the city’s disaster preparedness advisories.

Lizares said the city’s coordinated efforts and early warnings prevented loss of life despite heavy rains and flooding that affected several low-lying barangays.

Lizares also ordered the suspension of classes in both public and private schools in all levels until November 7, 2025.