Canlaon has been placed under a state of calamity following a resolution passed by the city council during its regular session on Nov. 5, after massive damage was reported in several barangays due to flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Tino.
Authorities are still conducting search and rescue operations for at least 11 missing persons, while the confirmed death toll has risen to 16, according to city officials.
Mayor Jose ‘Batchuk’ Cardenas said city personnel have been working round the clock to clear roads, bridges, and waterways as part of ongoing recovery efforts and preparations for an incoming typhoon expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday, Nov. 8.
In a Facebook post, Cardenas said the local government aims to complete all road-clearing operations within four days to allow safe transport of relief goods and essential supplies into the city.
He also noted that desilting operations in the Malaiba River are a crucial part of flood mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, Malacañang announced on Thursday that Canlaon City is among the localities to receive P10 million in direct aid from the Office of the President to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Local relief operations have intensified, with private groups and volunteers launching both online and on-site donation drives for affected residents.
As of writing, communication lines remain unstable, and power supply has yet to be restored in most parts of the city. Officials said the immediate needs of affected families include clean water, food, and temporary shelter.
Despite the city’s ongoing challenges, Mayor Cardenas expressed optimism that the people of Canlaon will overcome the crisis.