MANILA, Philippines – Typhoon Tino (internationally named Kalmaegi) has left a trail of catastrophic damage across the Philippines, with the central islands bearing the brunt of its fury. The death toll has risen to 90, with rescue and recovery operations underway in severely affected areas.
Cebu City was among the hardest hit, experiencing widespread devastation. A fire engulfed the Barangay Pahina San Nicolas, reducing areas to ashes, while Colon Street remained submerged in darkness overnight due to flooding. The city’s streets are filled with floodwater, mud, and debris.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro reported extensive damage from the typhoon, with at least 39 deaths in Cebu City alone, primarily due to drowning and being trapped in debris.
Timeline and Path of Destruction
The storm first activated on November 3 and intensified as it moved west-southwestward from the sea towards Eastern Samar. It made landfall in the Visayas region on November 4, unleashing torrential rains and destructive winds with speeds of 130 to 180 km/h.
The typhoon caused severe weather conditions across multiple regions, including Mindanao, Southern Luzon, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, and Iloilo, leading to massive flooding and landslides.
Military Helicopter Crash Claims Six Lives
In a separate tragedy linked to the storm, a Philippine Air Force Super Huey helicopter crashed during its operations. All six personnel on board, including the pilot and crew members, were killed. The wreckage was recovered hours later in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has secured the crash site and is assisting in the investigation, withholding the identities of the deceased pending notification of their families.
Widespread Damage and Displacement
The typhoon’s impact has been severe and far-reaching:
- Fatalities: Confirmed death toll of 90 nationwide.
- Displacement: Over 400,000 people have been displaced, with more than 187,000 individuals affected by floods.
- Stranded: Approximately 3,500 people are stranded at 42 ports across the country.
- Infrastructure: Widespread power and communication outages have been reported.
- Transport: Over 180 flights have been canceled.
- Rainfall: Cebu City recorded a staggering 183 mm of rainfall.
Future Trajectory
Typhoon Tino is now moving westward over the West Philippine Sea and is projected to head towards Vietnam and Thailand in the coming days. Authorities in these countries are advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely.
