Guiuan: The provincial government of Eastern Samar has begun assessing the damage caused by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) in the island villages of Suluan and Homonhon in Guiuan town. Provincial officials led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone visited Suluan Island, the farthest village under Guiuan’s jurisdiction facing the Pacific Ocean, where about 490 families were affected by the typhoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the visit, Evardone, joined by key town officials, turned over construction materials to affected residents. These included 200 galvanized iron sheets and 100 Hardiflex boards handed to the village council of Suluan for distribution, with priority given to families whose homes were destroyed. “These are not enough. This is just an initial visit to check and assess what the island needs, and when we come back, we will be bringing what they need,” Evardone said in a statement.

Prior to the visit, the governor also turned over 1,000 food packs to the local government of Guiuan for distribution to affected families in Suluan, Homonhon, and nearby areas, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. After Suluan, Evardone proceeded to Homonhon Island with Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and other provincial officials. The team brought additional relief assistance for affected residents across the island’s eight villages. Based on the local government’s assessment, 1,562 families were affected by the typhoon.

Part of the assistance included Starlink internet units requested by Gonzales from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to help ensure uninterrupted communication in the islands. In addition to those in Suluan and Homonhon, 2,579 families from mainland Guiuan and Victory Island were also affected by Tino.

The municipal council of Guiuan placed the town under a state of calamity on Nov. 4, following the recommendation of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The declaration will enable the municipal government to utilize its Quick Response Fund to aid in recovery and relief operations.