Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro appealed for assistance on Wednesday as Typhoon Tino left widespread devastation, killing dozens and displacing thousands across the province.
According to Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Cebu recorded 49 deaths following the typhoon’s onslaught. Baricuatro said 35 towns were affected by flash floods, forcing the evacuation of around 119,000 individuals.
“It was by far the worst flash flood caused by a typhoon in the history of Cebu,” she said. “In less than 10 minutes, the water rose dramatically.”
With Cebu now under a state of calamity, Baricuatro expressed gratitude for incoming aid but appealed for monetary donations to support local recovery efforts.
“Better ‘pag cash, dito na lang namin ma-purchase kung ano ang kailangan,” she said.
The governor added that power and water supply remain unavailable in some towns, although parts of Cebu City have electricity restored. She also emphasized the need for assistance in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and reviving the local economy.
“Grabe yung devastation sa properties,” Baricuatro said.