The entire province of Southern Leyte has been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Tino, which made its first landfall in the town of Silago early morning of Tuesday. Gov. Damian Mercado issued Executive Order No. 54 on Thursday, formally declaring the province under a state of calamity after Tino’s onslaught left significant damage to infrastructure, properties, and livelihoods across its capital city of Maasin and 18 municipalities.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), over 40,328 residents were affected by the typhoon, while two fatalities were reported in Saint Bernard town.
Initial reports from the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams showed that Tino’s strong winds and heavy rains caused widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction to homes and utilities.
Mercado’s order authorizes the provincial and local governments to utilize calamity funds, implement rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order in affected areas.
As of Thursday, the power supply has yet to be fully restored across Southern Leyte, including in its capital city of Maasin. Internet connection also remains unavailable in most parts of the province, hampering communication and disaster response coordination.
Typhoon Tino struck the province under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 issued by Pagasa, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain that displaced hundreds of families and damaged key public facilities.
Mercado said the declaration aims to speed up the delivery of basic services and assistance to affected communities as recovery and clearing operations continue./coa