BACOLOD CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that the death toll from typhoon “Tino” has increased to 44, with 53 missing in Negros Occidental, as of Thursday, Nov. 6.

Twelve were in La Castellana, seven in Hinigaran, six each in Bago City and Moises Padilla, four in La Carlota City, three in San Carlos City, two in Murcia, and one each in Isabela, Pontevedra, Binalbagan, and Himamaylan.

Some casualties are subject for verification and most of the missing individuals were reported in La Castellana with 21.

The Provincial Council approved a resolution on Thursday declaring the entire province under a state of calamity due to the devastation from the typhoon pursuant to the guidelines of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), following the endorsement of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and recommendation of the PDRRMC.

This will facilitate the release of emergency resources and enable faster delivery of assistance to affected communities.

Based on the PDRRMC’s comprehensive assessment, all 31 local government units (LGUs) and 39,102 families or 134,718 individuals in 375 barangays were affected.

Extensive destruction to critical and lifeline infrastructure and facilities, including major roads and bridges, power stations, potable water supply systems, and telecommunication facilities, were reported that hindered emergency response operations, caused inaccessibility of basic LGU services, further aggravating the situation of affected communities, disruption of essential services, and widespread devastation of fishponds, crops, poultry, livestock, and other agricultural products.

Toboso, La Castellana, and La Carlota City are under a state of calamity prior to the province’s declaration.

The provincial government assured the public that this move was made with both care and due process. This measured approach ensures that all recovery and relief efforts are accountable, transparent, and truly responsive to the needs of the people.

Lacson emphasized that this declaration is a necessary step to enable the provincial government to mobilize resources quickly and ensure that immediate assistance reaches families and communities most affected by the typhoon.

The provincial government continues to work closely with LGUs and national agencies to restore normalcy and support the rebuilding of affected communities across the province.

The province was placed under a state of calamity on Dec. 13, 2024, four days after the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption of Kanlaon Volcano that affected thousands of residents in eight localities.

Last July, it was also placed under a state of calamity due to tropical cyclone “Crising” and outbreak of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) affecting sugarcane plantations in the province.