Deaths in Negros Oriental rose to 21 as more bodies were retrieved during the retrieval operation Sunday, Nov. 9.
The 20 deaths are victims of a flashflood in Canlaon, while one died in Vallehermoso.
Meanwhile, 7 are still missing, but authorities said they are expecting more reports to missing individuals as communication is back.
Many families outside Canlaon are now reporting that their family members have been missing since the onslaught of the typhoon.
As residents of Canlaon City continue to recover from the devastation left by Typhoon Tino – which cost many their homes and even loved ones – they now brace for another threat: Typhoon Uwan.
According to PAGASA, Canlaon City has been placed under Signal No. 1, with winds already reported to be stronger than those experienced during Typhoon Tino.
Pritz, a resident living near the river in Barangay Panubigan, said that every rainfall now fills them with fear.
‘It’s very traumatic. We’re always monitoring the river in case another flash flood happens. Our neighbors are scared, too, so people here have become very vigilant,’ he told Inquirer in an interview on Sunday.
Pritz and his family survived the floods brought by Typhoon Tino and are now hoping that no similar disaster will strike again.
‘Some have already gone to evacuation centers, while others are staying with relatives or friends in houses with second floors,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the local government of Canlaon has urged residents living near rivers and highways-particularly in areas affected by the previous flash floods-to evacuate as early as possible.
‘Let’s all remain alert, especially those living near creeks and rivers. I know everyone is tired, but we must continue to help one another,’ Mayor Batchuk Cardenas wrote in a Facebook post