Typhoon Tino's Wrath Leaves Cebu Home in Ruins
A devastating flash flood triggered by Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, severely impacting residents of Sta. Luisa Homes in Barangay Pit-os, Cebu City. The area, situated beside the Butuanon River, was one of the hardest hit, forcing many, including house renter Viel Rusiana, to evacuate their homes for safety.
A Harrowing Evacuation and a Shocking Return
During the height of the calamity, Rusiana made the difficult decision to abandon her rented house and seek shelter with her parents in Mandaue City. When the danger subsided and she was finally able to return to her home in Pit-os, she was met with a scene of utter devastation. She discovered the front door wide open, a clear sign of unauthorized entry.
Inside, her worst fears were confirmed. Her valuable possessions were either destroyed by the floodwaters or missing entirely. The murky waters had ruined her computer equipment and a cherished collection of toys. More heartbreakingly, several key items were gone, including her bicycle, camera gear, and other personal valuables.
Neighbors Report Looting in Aftermath of Disaster
Adding insult to injury, accounts from her neighbors suggested that the damage was not solely from the natural disaster. According to their statements, unidentified individuals took advantage of the chaotic situation. They reported seeing people enter Rusiana's vacated property and make off with her belongings, turning a natural disaster into a compounded tragedy of theft.
The experience of Viel Rusiana highlights the dual threat faced by many Filipinos during severe weather events: the immediate danger of the storm itself and the subsequent vulnerability to crime in its aftermath. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust disaster response and community security measures in flood-prone areas.
