In a remarkable twist of fate, the La Castellana Public Cemetery emerged as an unexpected hero during Typhoon Tino's onslaught in Negros Occidental, Philippines. This cemetery, located in Barangay Robles, played a crucial role in mitigating the devastating impact of floods and logs washed down from Mount Kanlaon. Vice Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan expressed gratitude, stating, "It's our cemetery that saved us." Representative Dino Yulo echoed this sentiment, describing it as an unbelievable yet heartwarming scenario where the dead protected the living.
The aftermath of Typhoon Tino left a trail of destruction, with over 7,000 residents displaced and appeals for donations pouring in. La Carlota City, a neighboring town, also suffered significant damage. The contrast between the ongoing Kanlaon Volcano crisis and the recent typhoon highlights the severity of the situation. Vice Mayor Mangilimutan emphasized that Typhoon Tino caused more extensive damage than the volcano's eruptions, affecting all 13 barangays and leaving residents traumatized.
Even the town's incident manager and social welfare development officers, Remuel Lajo and Emily Tan, were not spared, losing their homes and possessions to the floods. Mayor An̈ejo Nicor has called for assistance from both the provincial and national governments, as well as private donors, to aid in the recovery efforts. As of the article's writing, evacuation centers in La Castellana were sheltering 7,320 individuals.
The impact of the swept cut logs from Mount Kanlaon National Park extended to La Carlota City, where major roads were blocked and some houses in Barangay Roberto Salas Benedicto were damaged. The barangay chairperson, Socrates Martin Guba, highlighted the challenges of clearing operations amidst a lack of basic necessities like food, water, and power. Residents desperately needed solar lights and candles, especially during the night, as the power outage remained indefinite.
The situation in La Carlota City further emphasizes the urgent need for aid and support. Authorities reported a rising number of casualties, although specific figures were not provided. The towns of Moises Padilla, La Castellana, and La Carlota City, situated at the foot of Kanlaon Volcano, are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the national park.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and interconnectedness of communities in the face of natural disasters. It also prompts reflection on the role of infrastructure and natural barriers in mitigating the impact of such events. As we consider the unique role played by the La Castellana Public Cemetery, it raises questions about the balance between development and preservation, and the importance of community preparedness and support systems.
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