• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The damage and losses in infrastructure, agriculture, and livestock in Negros Occidental, following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino has reached P465.3 million, according to the initial assessment of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The report dated Nov. 10 showed damage to infrastructure such as bridges, school and multi-purpose buildings, barangay halls, and health centers, among others, was placed at P430.051 million.
The Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) recorded that 18 bridges and 11 police facilities were also damaged.
The value of crop production loss stood at P28.534 million, fisheries at P6.47 million, and livestock at P307,138, based on the preliminary reports.
Affected commodities included rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.
Destroyed houses were reported at 6,855 while 41,435 homes were partially damaged.
The OCD-NIR also reported that 12,361 families, composed of 42,184, evacuated from their respective homes.
From Nov. 6 to 8, the provincial government of Negros Occidental distributed 10,604 food packs and 459 hygiene kits to affected residents of Toboso, Manapla, Moises Padilla, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, Valladolid, San Enrique, Hinobaan, Cauayan, Escalante City, Sagay City, La Carlota City, Talisay City, and Silay City.
Meanwhile, the OCD-NIR reported that deaths due to Typhoon Tino further rose to 83, with 39 still missing as of Nov. 9.
Some 49 individuals were injured.
Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo said three teams of K9 units are now in La Castellana and the neighboring local government units to help in the search and retrieval of missing persons.
In Negros Oriental, cascading water and boulders from the upper portion of Kanlaon Volcano due to heavy rains, which triggered landslides, severely hit Canlaon City.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources-NIR Regional Director Charlie Fabre said Negros Oriental experienced an extreme rainfall event where the equivalent of a month’s worth of rain fell in as little as two days. | GB
