Aerial photo of Cebu City in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino | Facebook
CEBU CITY — Cebu is facing a dual disaster crisis after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) submerged half of Cebu City just weeks after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake devastated northern towns. The storm displaced thousands, triggered landslides, and compounded recovery efforts already underway from the September 30 quake.
Typhoon Tino made landfall over Southern Leyte before sweeping across Cebu with sustained winds of up to 165 km/h and gusts reaching 205 km/h. Signal No. 4 warnings and storm surge alerts of up to three meters were issued, prompting mass evacuations. In Cebu City, floodwaters reached second-floor levels in barangays like Villa del Rio and Bacayan, while landslides isolated mountain communities such as Busay.
“This is the worst flooding we’ve seen in decades,” said Barangay Captain Lito Ramirez of Bacayan. “Even homes built on higher ground were not spared.”
Red Alert Status
Mayor Nestor Archival placed the city under Red Alert Status and suspended government operations. “Our priority is saving lives,” Archival said. “We’ve mobilized all available rescue teams and are coordinating with national agencies for relief and recovery.”
Rescue operations were delayed by dangerous winds, forcing teams to shelter in malls before deploying. The Philippine Coast Guard monitored river mouths for missing persons, while barangay health workers and electricians assisted with injuries and safety checks.
Floating cars
Residents described scenes of chaos. “I saw cars floating past our house and piling up like toys,” said Maricel Dela Cruz of Barangay Babag. “We’ve never flooded before. This storm changed everything.”
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) pre-positioned food packs and shelter kits across Cebu. Hundreds of families were evacuated to temporary shelters in schools and gymnasiums.
Ongoing Recovery from September Earthquake
Meanwhile, northern Cebu is still recovering from the September 30 earthquake, which struck offshore near Bogo City—about 95 kilometers north-northeast of Cebu City, where the recent flooding occurred. The quake left at least 72 dead, 294 injured, and displaced over 200,000 residents.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro launched a one-year recovery plan addressing housing, infrastructure, education, and mental health. “We are committed to rebuilding stronger and safer communities,” said Ret. Col. Dennis Francis Pastor, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Relief operations have delivered over 320,000 food packs, and “smart houses” are being distributed as temporary shelters. However, many residents remain in tent cities, fearful of aftershocks. “We sleep in tarpaulin tents and run for aid when vans pass by,” said Rebecca Cañete of Daanbantayan
People United in Resilience and Hope
The back-to-back disasters have strained resources and heightened calls for climate-resilient infrastructure and improved disaster protocols. “We will rebuild,” Mayor Archival vowed. “But we must also learn from this and strengthen our preparedness.”
As Cebu grapples with the aftermath of both calamities, its people remain united in resilience and hope.
