Typhoon Tino Inflicts Nearly P2 Billion in Damage across Negros Occidental

Typhoon Tino has left widespread devastation throughout Negros Occidental, with total reported damages reaching approximately P1.98 billion, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC). The storm severely affected infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and the education sector.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration reported that around 53,000 hectares of sugarcane fields suffered flood damage, impacting 17,000 farmers. The agricultural losses include an estimated minimum of 500,000 bags of raw sugar and 9,000 tons of molasses, totaling P1.26 billion. These figures exclude damages to farm equipment and sugar mills.

As of November 20, the PDRRMC assessed infrastructure damages at P1.5 billion, agricultural losses at over P303 million, and education-related damages including facilities at roughly P173 million. Nearly one million residents were affected by the typhoon, especially in central local government units, where 96 people lost their lives and 40 remained missing.

The disaster also destroyed 19,862 homes and partially damaged 180,823 houses. Authorities have declared certain flood-prone riverbank areas in Hinigaran and Moises Padilla as "no build zones," potentially preventing over 500 families from returning to their original residences.

Hinigaran's Mayor Mary Grace Arceo disclosed the identification of an 11-hectare relocation site in Sitio Acacia, Barangay Gargato, designed to accommodate over 200 displaced families. Meanwhile, a one-hectare donated land in Moises Padilla is earmarked for the relocation of more than 300 affected families.

The educational sector also suffered significant setbacks. Thirteen schools were destroyed, and 1,070 classrooms require repairs. Additionally, 24,779 damaged armchairs have been reported. The Negros Occidental Schools Division documented seven fatalities among students, teaching, and non-teaching personnel, nine individuals missing, and 767 injured due to the typhoon.

The prolonged recovery efforts prompt ongoing humanitarian and rehabilitation initiatives to support displaced families and rebuild critical infrastructure across the province.