LEYTÉ, Philippines - Tropical Storm Toni (international name: Khanun) battered Eastern Visayas on Wednesday, claiming two lives and leaving three others injured in separate weather-related incidents across Leyte province.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed the casualties as the storm intensified, bringing torrential rains and triggering flash floods and landslides throughout the region.
Tragic Incidents Across Municipalities
In Barangay Rizal, Javier town, a 58-year-old farmer identified as Ernesto Daffon lost his life after being struck by a falling tree while attempting to secure his property against the storm's onslaught.
Meanwhile, in Barangay San Isidro, MacArthur town, 42-year-old construction worker Rodrigo Santos drowned while trying to cross a rapidly swelling river to return home before the weather deteriorated further.
Injured Victims Receiving Treatment
The three injured individuals, including a mother and her teenage daughter in Palo town, sustained various injuries when a portion of their roof collapsed under the storm's powerful winds. All victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center and are reported to be in stable condition.
Widespread Evacuations and Damage
Local government units across Leyte have initiated forced evacuations in low-lying and landslide-prone areas as Toni continues to dump heavy rainfall. Preliminary reports indicate:
- Over 2,000 families displaced across 12 municipalities
- Multiple roads rendered impassable due to flooding and landslides
- Power outages affecting approximately 15,000 households
- Significant damage to agricultural areas, particularly rice fields
Government Response and Warnings
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has maintained Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over several areas in Eastern Visayas. Rescue operations are ongoing in affected communities, with emergency response teams working around the clock.
"We urge residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders and avoid unnecessary travel," stated Leyte PDRRMO head Carlos Gaviola. "The ground is saturated from continuous rains, increasing the risk of landslides."
As Tropical Storm Toni continues its path across the region, authorities warn that the situation remains critical, with the potential for further flooding and infrastructure damage in the coming hours.
