Remote Community Bears Brunt of Typhoon's Wrath
More than a week after Typhoon Tino unleashed devastation across Cebu, the municipality of Asturias continues to confront significant recovery obstacles, with Barangay Kaluangan emerging as the most critically affected area.
The isolated barangay, situated 35 kilometers from the town center, has reported extensive damage affecting 293 households comprising 1,465 residents. Floodwaters completely destroyed 95 homes, forcing 39 families to remain in evacuation centers while others have sought temporary shelter with relatives.
Logistical Challenges Slow Relief Distribution
Annaliza Jayme, Asturias Municipal Legal Officer, explained that the barangay's difficult terrain has created major barriers for relief operations. "Landslides and blocked roads have made it impossible for four-wheel vehicles to reach the area," Jayme stated, noting that responders have resorted to using motorcycles for supply transport.
While this method enables aid to reach cut-off communities, Jayme emphasized that the limited carrying capacity per trip has resulted in delays delivering essential supplies including food, water, and other critical items.
Relief missions to Kaluangan now occur every two days, drawing resources from multiple sources:
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Private donors and organizations
- Asturias local government unit
Housing Materials Emerge as Critical Need
According to Jayme, while food supplies currently meet requirements, the most pressing need involves housing materials and household essentials for families who lost everything when floodwaters swept away their homes.
To address access issues, the local government has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Third District Representative Karen Flores-Garcia to deploy additional heavy equipment for road-clearing operations.
Clearing work in neighboring mountain barangays like Bairan and Tagbubonga has partially opened routes, but Kaluangan remains the top priority due to the severity of damage and its remote location.
"The barangay is in a very remote area, and relief delivery requires a three-hour travel from the town proper," Jayme explained, highlighting the logistical complexities facing responders.
Jayme noted that barangays closer to the highway, such as Barangay Owak which also sustained heavy damage, have already received substantial assistance from both government agencies and private organizations.
Recent progress has enabled four-wheel vehicles to reach sections of Kaluangan, though motorcycles continue to serve as the primary means of transporting smaller supplies to the most inaccessible sitios.
With relief operations continuing, Jayme stressed that coordination remains vital for effective response. She encouraged those wishing to support recovery efforts to deliver contributions to the Asturias Municipal Hall or contact Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office head Marianee Gabriel at 0933-540-6730.
Asturias, located in the mid-western section of Cebu province, continues to demonstrate resilience as recovery efforts persist in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino's destructive path.
