Typhoon Tino (also known as “Kalmaegi” in local bulletins) swept through the central Philippines, leaving at least 26 people dead and displacing hundreds of thousands as massive flooding inundated towns and cities across the Visayas.
In one of the hardest-hit areas, Cebu City saw severe floodwaters sweep through entire residential zones, submerging cars and containing terraced homes that had never experienced such levels of inundation.
Officials say most of the fatalities resulted from drowning as floodwaters rose faster than residents could escape.
Emergency services reported thousands stranded on rooftops, submerged vehicles, and roads blocked by debris. Authorities also issued maritime and aviation advisories, with travel routes disrupted as the storm battered the archipelago.
As rescue and relief operations continue, local governments warned residents in low-lying and coastal communities to avoid returning until conditions stabilize and roads and utilities are declared safe.