THE number of reported fatalities from Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) has climbed to 52, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday.
In its 6 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said 50 of the deaths were recorded in Central Visayas, while two were in Western Visayas. The agency noted that the figures remain subject to validation.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VII Director Joel Erestain said most of the fatalities were either buried by debris, struck by falling objects, or drowned during flash floods.
“Evacuation efforts focused on low-lying areas. We didn’t expect the flash floods to rise that high; many were swept away,” Erestain said.
He added that 48 deaths were reported in Cebu and one in Bohol. Thirteen individuals remain missing, while 10 others sustained injuries.
The NDRRMC said a total of 706,549 individuals or 203,595 families were affected across Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, and Caraga.
Of these, over 348,000 people are currently staying in evacuation centers, while nearly 88,000 others have sought refuge elsewhere.
Flooding and landslides were reported in several provinces.
Sixteen houses were damaged, 10 partially and six totally, while 15 of 21 affected road sections remain impassable.
Sea travel was also disrupted as 154 ports temporarily ceased operations, leaving almost 4,000 passengers and over 1,300 rolling cargoes stranded.
Power outages were still reported in 50 areas, though communication lines have been restored in seven affected locations.
Classes were suspended in 593 areas and work in 406 localities. Cebu province has declared a state of calamity.
The government has so far provided ₱31.1 million worth of assistance to affected communities, according to the NDRRMC.
As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, PAGASA said Typhoon Tino was last spotted over the coastal waters of Linapacan, Palawan.