Canlaon city: The number of people who perished in massive floods due to Typhoon Tino in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental has risen to 12, an official said on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Seth Bariga, information officer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), reported that all of the bodies have been recovered and identified by their families. Bariga announced that six more bodies were retrieved in the afternoon as search and recovery operations continue for the 18 others who remain missing.

Canlaon City is now accessible through side roads as clearing operations were initiated a day after Typhoon Tino cut across the Visayas. Efforts are underway to open the national highway in Barangay Panubigan, the main artery leading to the city proper, as this area suffered more damage after the river overflowed onto the highway on Tuesday, sealing off access to the city’s central district.

Governor Manuel Sagarbarria visited Canlaon City and met with Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas to discuss relief operations planned for the coming days. Uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Coast Guard, and civilian volunteers are assisting in clearing operations to open roads for four-wheeled vehicles.

The provincial government and the private sector have deployed heavy equipment to clear the roads of boulders and other debris carried by the floodwaters. An initial count showed about 400 families are now staying at various evacuation centers. The local government has begun providing food and other provisions, with the mayor appealing for help, especially for drinking water. Currently, there is no electricity, internet connection, or telecommunications in the city.