Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are underway for 127 people still missing after the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, which left at least 114 dead—most of them in the Visayas, where heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread devastation.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Cebu recorded the highest number of fatalities at 71, followed by Negros Occidental with 18, and Negros Oriental with 12.
Two deaths were reported in Southern Leyte, and one each in Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Bohol, and Leyte.
In Mindanao, six people were confirmed dead—believed to be military personnel aboard a helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur.
Of the 127 missing, 65 are from Cebu. Sixty-two more were reported missing in Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, a total of 82 people were reported injured— 69 in Cebu, seven in Negros Occidental, and Surigao del Norte, and one each in Southern Leyte and Surigao del Sur.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier ordered its personnel on the ground to intensify search and rescue operations and ensure the speedy, secure distribution of essential relief goods for families and individuals displaced by Tino.
More than 9,000 police personnel and over 300 mobiles were deployed for evacuation, rescue operation, and other humanitarian assistance as Tino devastates parts of the country.
Raffy Alejandro, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), all the measures are now being conducted to account for all those in the missing list.
But he said the big challenge they are facing is the clearing of debris, especially in the province of Cebu.
“There a lot of debris, including housing materials that were carried by flood. This is the challenge and we are working double time to clear them,” said Alejandro in an interview over dzBB.
“We need to clear these debris and this is a priority. Hopefully, we will be able to account for all the missing and hopefully too, those in the missing list just went to safer areas during the typhoon,” he added.
Alejandro said they also started deploying rapid assessment teams in all the affected areas.
“They are making rounds for us to determine the full extent of the damage,” said Alejandro.
So far, he said at least 1,300 houses were reported damaged in areas affected by Tino. (Aaron Recuenco)
