Recovery Challenges Continue in Typhoon-Torn Asturias
More than a week after Typhoon Tino wreaked havoc across Cebu, the municipality of Asturias continues to face significant recovery obstacles. The situation remains particularly dire in Barangay Kaluangan, where residents struggle to rebuild their lives amid ongoing challenges with relief distribution.
Barangay Kaluangan: The Hardest Hit Community
Barangay Kaluangan stands as the most severely affected area within Asturias municipality. Official reports confirm that 293 households have been impacted by the typhoon's devastation. Among these, 95 homes were completely destroyed, leaving families without shelter.
Currently, 39 families remain housed in evacuation centers, unable to return to their damaged or destroyed homes. Many other affected residents have sought temporary refuge with relatives while awaiting assistance to rebuild their lives.
Logistical Nightmare Hinders Relief Efforts
Annaliza Jayme, Asturias Municipal Legal Officer, explained that the barangay's challenging geography has significantly hampered relief operations. Landslides and blocked roads have made it impossible for standard four-wheel vehicles to access the area, forcing responders to rely on motorcycles for supply transport.
While motorcycles can reach isolated communities, their limited carrying capacity restricts the volume of essential supplies that can be delivered per trip. This has resulted in delays in providing adequate food, water, and other critical necessities to affected residents.
Relief operations in Kaluangan are now conducted every two days, drawing resources from multiple sources including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), private donors, and the local government unit.
Coordinated Response and Ongoing Needs
Jayme noted that while food supplies are currently sufficient, the greater need lies in housing materials and household items for families who lost everything when their homes were washed away by the typhoon.
To address access issues, the local government has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Third District Representative Karen Flores-Garcia to deploy additional heavy equipment for road-clearing operations.
While clearing work in neighboring mountain barangays like Bairan has opened partial routes, Kaluangan remains the top priority due to the extent of damage and its extreme isolation. The barangay requires a three-hour travel from the town proper, making it one of the most challenging areas to reach.
Barangays closer to the main highway have already received substantial assistance from both government and private groups. However, Kaluangan's remote location continues to complicate relief efforts. Only recently have four-wheel vehicles been able to reach parts of the barangay, while motorcycles remain crucial for delivering smaller supplies to the most remote sitios.
Jayme emphasized that while relief operations continue, coordination remains absolutely critical to ensuring all affected residents receive the help they desperately need during this difficult recovery period.
