Typhoon Tino causes catastrophic damage in the Philippines. The death toll hits 90, with massive flooding, landslides, and a tragic helicopter crash.
MANILA – The Philippines is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Tino, which has claimed at least 90 lives. The storm unleashed devastating floods and destructive winds across the central islands, leaving a path of ruin and triggering massive rescue operations.
Cebu City Among the Hardest Hit
The Visayas region, particularly Cebu City, suffered the storm’s full fury. The cityscape has been transformed into a scene of mud-filled streets and submerged neighborhoods.
Colon Street, a central hub, was plunged into darkness overnight due to severe flooding. In a separate tragedy, a fire ignited by the storm’s chaos engulfed the Barangay Pahina San Nicolas area, reducing parts of it to ashes.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro reported at least 39 deaths in the city alone. Most victims succumbed to drowning or were trapped in collapsing structures and debris.
Timeline of a Destructive Storm
Typhoon Tino, known internationally as Kalmaegi, first developed on November 3. It quickly intensified as it tracked west-southwest toward the Philippine archipelago.
The storm made its powerful landfall in the Visayas on November 4. It packed sustained winds of 130 to 180 km/h, triggering torrential rains that caused massive flooding and landslides across multiple regions, including:
- Mindanao
- Southern Luzon
- Southern Leyte
- Negros Occidental
- Guimaras and Iloilo
Tragic Helicopter Crash Amid Relief Efforts
In a separate incident underscoring the perilous conditions, a Philippine Air Force Super Huey helicopter crashed during a typhoon-related operation. The crash in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, claimed the lives of all six personnel on board.
The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has secured the crash site. An investigation is underway, and the identities of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Widespread Damage and National Impact
The national disaster agency continues to assess the staggering scale of the typhoon’s impact. Key figures highlight the widespread crisis:
- Fatalities: A confirmed 90 deaths nationwide.
- Displacement: Over 400,000 people have been forced from their homes.
- Stranded Travelers: Approximately 3,500 individuals are stranded at various ports.
- Transport Chaos: More than 180 flights have been canceled.
- Record Rainfall: Cebu City recorded an immense 183 mm of rain.
- Infrastructure: Widespread power and communication outages persist.
As the Philippines begins the arduous task of recovery, Typhoon Tino is moving westward over the West Philippine Sea. The storm is now projected to head towards Vietnam and Thailand, putting neighboring nations on high alert.