Typhoon Tino has left a trail of destruction in Negros Occidental, with damage to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure now totaling P382.3 million, and authorities said the figure may rise as more reports come in.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported on Friday, November 7, that 1,229 farmers across 99 barangays in 13 local government units (LGUs) have suffered losses totaling P28.5 million.
Rice farmers lost P24.8 million, corn sustained P387,682 in damage, and high-value crops accounted for P3.2 million. Fisheries in two LGUs also lost P6.47 million.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) recorded P347.3 million in infrastructure damage, affecting roads, bridges, and public facilities in Sipalay City, Isabela, Don Salvador Benedicto, Bago, Binalbagan, and La Castellana.
The typhoon destroyed 1,943 houses and damaged 11,336 more across 11 LGUs, leaving thousands of families struggling to recover, PDRRMO revealed.
Preparing ‘Uwan’
While the province continues recovery, authorities are preparing for Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), which rapidly intensified over the Philippine Sea and may become a super typhoon by Saturday evening or Sunday, November 9.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 11am, November 8, Uwan’s maximum sustained winds rose to 140 km/h, with gusts reaching 170 km/h, up from 130 km/h and 160 km/h.
The storm is moving west at 35 km/h, faster than the previous 25 km/h, and lies 680 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the state weather bureau said.
Authorities in Negros Occidental are monitoring the storm closely and preparing preemptive safety measures, especially in the northern part of the province where tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 covers Escalante, Toboso, Sagay, Cadiz, Calatrava, and Manapla.
PDRRMO Head Irene Bel Ploteña said the province had already conducted a disaster risk assessment to support early recovery from Typhoon Tino and prepare for Uwan, adding that officials were assessing the incoming typhoon to implement initial steps ensuring residents’ safety.
Landfall
PAGASA projects Uwan could make initial landfall in southern Isabela or northern Aurora on Sunday evening or early Monday morning, November 10, near its peak intensity. If the storm’s track shifts slightly southward, it could hit Catanduanes, or its eyewall may affect the province.
After landfall, Uwan is expected to cross the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and reach the Lingayen Gulf or coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union by Monday.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, monitor PAGASA updates, and prepare for heavy rainfall and strong winds in the coming days.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.