Cebu suffers double disasters as Typhoon Tino follows major earthquake – Dateline Philippines

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu province is facing an overlapping disaster and scrutiny after Typhoon Tino (Kalmigi) hit the region this week, while recovery from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake is still underway. The crisis led not only to the launch of relief efforts, but to a large-scale investigation into the region's flood control infrastructure.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and international reports, at least 114 people were killed and 127 were still missing across the country as of November 6, as Teno caused flash floods, landslides and power outages across Visayas. Cebu is among the most affected areas.

Floods and evacuations across Cebu

Heavy rains and flooding inundated parts of Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay and surrounding towns. Local authorities reported that thousands of families had been evacuated. Drainage systems and stormwater infrastructure, which were already under severe strain due to the September earthquake, were declared overwhelmed. Evacuations nationwide exceeded 200,000.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that Typhoon Tino entered the Philippines' area of ​​responsibility on 2 November, made landfall in Samar and Masbate, and then exited toward the West Philippine Sea by 5 November.

The earthquake left deep scars

On September 30, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck offshore north of Cebu, with its epicenter about 19 km northeast of Bogo City and at a shallow depth of about 5 km. Hundreds of aftershocks followed in the following days. By mid-October, the numbers had risen to the thousands.

Preliminary official figures released by the NDRRMC put the death toll in Cebu at at least 72 people from the quake. Estimates of the cost of infrastructure damage in Cebu range between ¥1.9 billion and ¥3 billion, depending on what is counted (roads, public buildings, utilities).

A flood control sounder was launched

In the wake of the floods, Department of Public Works and Public Works Undersecretary Vince Dizon announced a comprehensive investigation into flood control projects in Cebu implemented between 2016 and 2025. The investigation was launched because of the “apparent massive failure of the flood control system” which the agency said arose from “faulty planning and faulty implementation.”

The investigation includes work on “ghost” projects (projects reported as being completed but not visible on the ground), substandard construction and whether design standards were adequate to cope with heavy rainfall. Civil society groups and provincial officials have pointed out that about ₱26.7 billion in flood control funds have been released to Cebu over the past three years – even when the floods were severe.

In addition:

A special task force has been appointed at the Office of the Ombudsman to examine possible anomalies in flood control works in Cebu. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to investigate lawmakers, contractors and senior officials over possible graft, fraud or collusion linked to flood control funds. Specific project sites – such as parts of the Monterrazas development in Cebu City – are under scrutiny regarding how flood control and slope protection will perform during Teno. Relief and rehabilitation

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced the release of ₱69.45 million to assist families affected by Hurricane Tino in Visayas and Mindanao. Relief teams remain on the ground, removing rubble, inspecting roads and bridges, and distributing aid.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro continues to coordinate with national agencies on post-earthquake rehabilitation and hurricane recovery efforts.

Landslide and safety warnings

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have issued warnings that slopes and embankments already weakened by the quake are now saturated by hurricane rains, increasing the risk of landslides in mountainous provinces. Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to follow official evacuation orders and avoid dangerous areas.

Recovery efforts

Clearance operations, damage assessments and infrastructure inspections continue throughout northern and central Cebu. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DPWH to prioritize repairs in Central Visayas and asked national agencies to expedite flood rehabilitation and mitigation projects. Officials say a full recovery could take several months, with added pressure from the ongoing investigation into the infrastructure failure.

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