6 typhoon-hit Balamban barangays remain isolated

Local

WITH roads buried under mud and communication lines still dead, Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug says their only option now is to walk supplies up the mountains.

“Ilakaw nalang ngadto sa bukid para makahatag og supplies kay luoy kaayo didto nga na trap bitaw tungod sa landslide,” Cabahug said, as he described the grim situation in the northwest Cebu town days after Typhoon Tino struck.

Six mountain barangays remain completely isolated after landslides along the Transcentral Highway (TCH) cut off access.

Cabahug confirmed that 11 people were killed, 14 remain missing, and 119 were injured. Search and retrieval operations continue across affected areas.

TCH, a vital route linking Balamban to Cebu City, remains impassable.

“As reported, it will take two to three weeks to clear, and we still have to check the roads if they are safe and stable,” Cabahug said.

Private companies have deployed heavy equipment to assist in clearing operations.

“Hopefully, the roads will soon be passable so we can bring supplies to the mountain barangays,” the mayor added.

Cabahug has also requested helicopter assistance from Provincial Administrator Ace Durano to deliver rice and drinking water to areas unreachable by land.

“The PDRRMO agreed with my staff in the LGU that supplies will first be brought to Balamban and then carried by foot to the mountains,” he said.

Among the barangays cut off from aid are Buanoy Bridge, Cansomoroy, Hingatmonan, Lamesa, Liki, Luca, Sunog, Ginantilan, Bayong, and Cabasiangan.

While no casualties have been confirmed from these villages, Cabahug fears the situation could deteriorate if relief does not arrive soon.

“Our operations are composed of the MDRRMO, BFP, PNP, AFP, and the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said, adding that teams are working nonstop despite limited power and poor signal. Engineers and responders have recommended installing sheet piles to stabilize slopes and prevent further landslides.

The provincial government has sent 200 boxes of bottled water and several packs of canned goods, but the aid falls short of what’s needed for hundreds of affected families. A

situational report from the Capitol’s Emergency Operations Center shows that 589 families have been severely affected, many now staying in evacuation centers.

Only 30 percent of the Balamban-Asturias power line has been restored, while cellular networks remain down, making coordination difficult.

Cabahug, who has been staying in the municipal hall since November 3, issued an emotional plea for assistance.

“Nanawagan ko sa mga maayong kasing-kasing nga Sugbuanon nga makatabang sa Balamban,” he said.

“Kung kinsa man ang maayong kasing-kasing og mo supply sa Balamban, palihug ko og hatag sa inyong tabang og suporta adto lang sa municipyo,” he added.

He said food, potable water, canned goods, clothing, and temporary shelters are urgently needed, especially for the mountain barangays.

Cabahug urged his constituents to remain calm and understanding amid the crisis, saying that everyone in Balamban has been affected and must not let emotions take over.(MyTVCebu)