Lives lost, thousands evacuated across Cebu due to 'Tino'

Local

THE destructive Typhoon Tino has claimed two lives in Cebu, with one fatality confirmed in Cebu City and another in Mandaue City, local authorities reported on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

In a media interview after the storm, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government logged the death in Mandaue City following the typhoon’s passage.

Baricuatro added that the figures may not be final yet and emphasized that massive flooding remains the biggest challenge the province faced after the typhoon hit.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed in a separate interview that six members of a family in Barangay Bacayan remain missing, with only the father accounted for, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Additionally, Cebu City Public Information Office told media that there may be additional fatalities, but these are still awaiting official validation and will be announced through the mayor.

Typhoon Tino brought destructive winds and heavy rain across the province, which remained under Signal No. 4 for much of the day.

Life-threatening conditions were reported on Camotes Island and nearby coastal areas, prompting the evacuation of over 100,000 residents.

At 5 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the center of Tino’s eye was over the coastal waters of San Francisco town in the Camotes Islands.

The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts up to 205 kph, moving westward at 25 kph.

PAGASA warned of continuing heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge risks across several localities, even those outside the forecast landfall areas.

Tino is expected to remain at typhoon strength while crossing the Visayas and may slightly weaken over land.

It is projected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday.

Northern and central Cebu experienced the worst of the typhoon.

Municipalities and cities under Signal No. 4 included Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Danao City, Talisay City, Balamban, Asturias, Medellin, Daanbantayan, and the islands of Camotes and Bantayan.

Fallen trees, collapsed roofs, and widespread power outages were reported across these areas.

Baricuatro placed the entire province on red alert and called on local governments to implement preemptive evacuations.

By Tuesday morning, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed that 32,603 families, or over 100,000 individuals, were taking refuge in 660 evacuation centers across 33 local government units.

Mandaue City had the highest number of evacuees at 17,257, followed by Talisay City with 12,595, and Daanbantayan with 9,932.

Northern towns such as Madridejos and Medellin also moved thousands of residents to safer ground amid rising floodwaters and strong winds.

In Cebu City, the North District saw 1,374 families, or 5,005 people, in 20 evacuation centers, mainly in barangays Mabolo, Tingub, Lahug, and Talamban.

The South District reported 3,189 families, or 12,070 people, in 41 centers, with barangays Bonbon, Mambaling, Inayawan, and Guadalupe recording the highest numbers.

Relief operations—including distribution of food, hygiene kits, and sleeping mats—are ongoing, coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and barangay volunteers.

Archival activated emergency operations centers (EOCs) to ensure the swift delivery of aid.

Coastal areas such as Liloan, Consolacion, and Talisay experienced severe flooding, with several subdivisions submerged. Storm surges caused damage in Sogod, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio.

Power outages affected Bantayan Island, Tabogon, Compostela, Borbon, Sogod, Bogo, Medellin, Daanbantayan, and Asturias, while communication lines were disrupted in Pilar, Camotes Island.

Baricuatro suspended classes and work in Cebu from November 3 to 4 through Executive Orders 66 and 67 and urged private establishments to halt operations for public safety.

Sea travel across the province was suspended, affecting trips to Bohol, Ormoc, Palompon, Siquijor, and Dumaguete.

Passengers stranded at ports in Danao and Santander were relocated to evacuation centers. Bus operations were also halted, with the last northbound and southbound trips departing before the storm’s arrival on Monday night.

Local governments deployed emergency response teams, conducted recorida announcements, and dispatched rescue units to high-risk areas.

In Mandaue City, modular tents were set up, hot meals distributed, and dewatering pumps deployed.

Balamban coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard for coastal patrols, while San Fernando and Catmon enforced mandatory evacuations in landslide- and flood-prone zones.

The PDRRMO sent two rescue teams to Talisay City and coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for assistance in Consolacion and Liloan.

Immediate needs include food packs, water, generator sets, and debris-clearing equipment.

As of Tuesday noon, heavy rain and strong winds continued to batter Cebu, with power and communication lines down in several areas.

Residents were urged to remain in safe shelters and follow local advisories until conditions improve.(MyTVCebu)