By CESAR JOLITO III
The death toll due to Typhoon “Tino” in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental climbed to 57, while 67 remain missing following the widespread devastation in the two provinces.
Negros Occidental recorded 44 deaths and 53 missing persons across several cities and municipalities, based on the latest data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as of 11:00 a.m. yesterday.
The highest number of fatalities was reported in La Castellana town (with 12), followed by Hinigaran (seven), Bago City (six), and Moises Padilla (six).
Other deaths were recorded in La Carlota City (four), San Carlos City (three), Murcia (two), and one each in the municipalities of Isabela, Pontevedra and Binalbagan, as well as Himamaylan City.
La Castellana also recorded the most missing individuals at 21, followed by La Carlota City (11), Moises Padilla (11), Bago (five), Isabela (three), and Hinigaran (two).
The PDRRMO said validation and search operations are still ongoing in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
Donato Sermeno III, director of the Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region, identified Moises Padilla and La Castellana as the most affected local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental following “Tino’s” onslaught.
Sermeno said both towns suffered severe impact due to their geographical vulnerability, with flash floods causing major devastation to communities and infrastructure.
He added that the Department of Information and Communications Technology is set to install internet systems to restore connectivity in the hardest-hit areas, prioritizing La Carlota, La Castellana, Murcia, and Isabela.
During a recent National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, Sermeno also requested assistance from the Department of Energy to provide generators to the prioritized LGUs to help restore power and support local emergency operations.
12 deaths
In Negros Oriental, Canlaon City listed 12 deaths and 14 missing due to “Tino,” according to SALTA Canlaon as of Wednesday, November 5.
The majority of fatalities came from Barangay Panubigan with nine deaths, followed by Malaiba, Bayog and Masulog, each with one recorded death.
Missing persons were reported in Barangays Panubigan (eight), Mabigo (two), Malaiba (two), and Linothangan (two).
Vallehermoso logged one fatality caused by rolling boulders due to landslides, Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, confirmed.
Canlaon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continues its search, rescue and retrieval operations in affected mountain barangays where flash floods and landslides occurred after continuous rains brought by “Tino.”
Authorities from both provinces have mobilized relief teams to assist evacuees and affected households.
Thousands remain in evacuation centers, while road clearing and restoration of power and communication lines continue across multiple LGUs.
The combined casualty count made “Tino” one of the deadliest weather events to hit Negros Island in recent years./CJ, WDJ