Canlaon City Halts Search as Typhoon Uwan Approaches
CANLAON CITY, Negros Oriental — Search and retrieval operations for the five remaining missing individuals reported after Typhoon “Tino” were suspended on Sunday, Nov. 9, as the super typhoon “Uwan” closed in on the province. Local authorities announced the pause to protect rescuers from worsening conditions and to reassess the operation under the looming weather threat.
The decision was confirmed by local officials and law enforcement, who explained that the suspension would allow responders to reallocate resources, ensure the safety of volunteers, and wait for clearer conditions before resuming search efforts. While the risks are higher during intense weather, emergency teams remain prepared to restart the search as soon as it is safe to do so.
Background: Typhoon Tino and the Missing Persons
In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, several residents were swept away by floodwaters and landslides across Canlaon City and neighboring areas. Among those affected, five individuals remained unaccounted for as authorities conducted initial search and rescue operations in the days following the storm. The ongoing work has involved police, local government units, the Philippine Army, barangay volunteers, and disaster response teams who have been combing riverbanks, ravines, and debris-strewn areas for any signs of life.
Safety First: Why the Pause is Necessary
Weather conditions in the region were expected to deteriorate with the approach of Typhoon Uwan. Authorities cited strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of further landslides as key factors in postponing field operations. Rescuers must ensure their own safety to prevent additional casualties and to avoid straining resources during a potentially prolonged weather event. The pause also allows engineers and planners to identify stable access routes and establish communications with communities that may be cut off by rainfall and flooding.
What Comes Next for the Missing Persons Mission
Despite the temporary stop, officials stressed that the mission remains a priority. Local disaster response teams are monitoring weather updates and stand ready to redeploy as soon as conditions allow. In addition to ground searches, authorities are coordinating with maritime units and air support to broaden the reach of the operation when safe, including potential aerial surveys and reconnaissance of hard-to-reach locales.
Public safety messaging continues to emphasize the importance of staying at designated shelters or higher ground and avoiding flooded areas. Residents are urged to report any new information about the missing individuals to authorities or through barangay hotlines. Community volunteers are being kept on standby, with training and safety protocols refreshed to ensure preparedness for a rapid return to field operations.
Community Impact and Response
The suspension has drawn support from local residents who recognize the necessity of balancing urgency with safety. Neighbors who offered meals, shelter, and donations during the initial response now await news while authorities recalibrate the search under weather constraints. The incident underscores the wider vulnerability of coastal and flood-prone communities to extreme weather in Negros Oriental and the need for robust disaster readiness plans that can adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
As Typhoon Uwan approaches, officials reaffirm their commitment to transparency about the status of operations and to communicating any changes in the search timetable to the public. Updates are expected to be provided through official channels, local press briefings, and social media to ensure residents and families stay informed about when and how the search might recommence.
