PH Declares State of Nat'l Calamity After Tino, Warns of Super Typhoon Ahead

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national calamity following the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) — just as Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) threatens to enter the country this weekend.

According to PAGASA, Uwan was still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday, about 1,985 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour. The agency warned that its landfall is becoming more likely.

Marcos said the move came after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommended the declaration due to the widespread impact of Tino and the expected threat from Uwan. “Almost ten regions have already been hit, and around 12 could be affected next — this is clearly a national calamity,” he said during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.

Government Moves Into Action

The declaration will allow government agencies to use emergency funds faster and procure supplies more easily for typhoon-hit areas. The President assured that preparations are underway to reduce Uwan’s impact, saying, “If we anticipate well and prepare well, we can do a lot to lessen the damage.”

As of Thursday, the NDRRMC reported 66 deaths, 26 missing, and more than one million people affected. However, local reports placed the death toll at 150, with Cebu suffering the highest number of casualties.

Typhoon Tino’s Record Rainfall

PAGASA described Tino’s rainfall as something that “only happens once every 20 years.” In Cebu alone, rainfall reached 428 millimeters in Bagakay, Toledo City, and 300 millimeters in Ilihan — enough to submerge entire towns.
The downpour overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems, leaving communities trapped and rescuers wading through waist-deep floods to reach stranded families.

Emergency Funds Released

Malacañang said the Office of the President has released P760 million in aid to affected provinces. The funds were distributed to Cebu, Negros, Leyte, Bohol, Surigao, and other hard-hit areas for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

LGUs Told to Prepare for Uwan

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed local governments to inspect roads and bridges, clear waterways, and stockpile relief goods.
“LGUs must act now — activate disaster councils, ready evacuation sites, and warn at-risk communities,” the DILG said.

Meanwhile, Cebu police were praised for using drone technology in post-typhoon operations — a move that highlighted the growing use of tech in disaster response.

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