Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 26 people have been confirmed dead as a result of Typhoon Tino, also known internationally as Kalmaegi, which struck various parts of the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo informed the media that the fatalities included 22 individuals from Central Visayas, two from the Negros Island Region, one from Western Visayas, and another from Eastern Visayas. Castillo emphasized that these figures are currently undergoing verification and validation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The majority of the deaths were attributed to drowning incidents. Additionally, Castillo noted that approximately 387,000 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure from regions anticipated to be affected by Tino’s path.

As of 4 p.m., areas such as Calamian, Cuyo Islands, as well as the central and southern parts of Antique and Iloilo, along with Guimaras, were still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, as Tino maintained its intensity while progressing towards the Sulu Sea, as reported by the weather bureau.

Typhoon Tino is projected to reach the Sulu Sea later on Tuesday evening and is expected to cross northern Palawan, eventually emerging in the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning. Being the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, Tino is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or Thursday.