Typhoon Tino death toll rises to 66, missing at 26

Metro Manila, Philippines - At least 66 individuals in the Visayas have been reported dead in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), the national disaster response agency reported on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 49 deaths were reported in Cebu due to fallen debris, landslides, and flooding, with some causes still under investigation.

The NDRRMC also included in the list the six air force personnel who died from a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur. They were deployed for the “Tino” response mission. 

In its latest report, the NDRRMC said one death each was recorded in Bohol, Capiz, and Leyte, after they were crushed by fallen trees, while another individual died in Leyte due to flooding.

In the Negros Island Region, authorities reported one person died from fallen debris and another from drowning. They are still investigating the causes of five more fatalities.

The NDRRMC said at least 10 individuals were injured and authorities are still looking for 26 missing people.

Many areas in Cebu were submerged in floods on Tuesday. The province was struck by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake last month.

Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro has declared a state of calamity after the typhoon caused “severe damage to infrastructure, government facilities, private establishments, and residential areas, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and displacement of communities.”

The declaration will help the province to access calamity funds, implement price freeze and anti-profiteering measures, and boost response and recovery efforts.

“Tino” has made contact to land eight times since crossing the Visayas on Tuesday, according to weather bureau PAGASA, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that have wreaked havoc to the island.

The typhoon has emerged over the coastal waters of El Nido, Palawan, on track to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility to head to Vietnam.

More than 706,000 people were affected by the typhoon, with the bulk logged in the Visayas. Over 348,000 were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers.

Authorities are working to restore power supply and communication lines in affected areas, as well as fast-track clearing operations to make roads and bridges passable.