Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) made a powerful landfall across the central and southern parts of the Philippines, leaving widespread power outages in the Visayas and Mindanao. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) confirmed that five major transmission routes were severely affected, disrupting electricity in several provinces. The impact of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) highlights the continuing challenges of maintaining energy stability during extreme weather events in the country.
The Scope of the Damage
Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) hit with sustained winds of around 150 km/h and gusts reaching up to 205 km/h. According to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), five major transmission lines are currently out of service:
- Maasin–Baybay 69 kV line — serving Leyte IV Electric Cooperative Inc. (LEYECO IV)
- Ormoc–San Isidro 69 kV line — supplying Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DORELCO) in Tolosa, Leyte; plus the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOLECO); LEYECO III and LEYECO V
- Ormoc–Baybay 69 kV line — servicing LEYECO IV and LEYECO V
- Maasin–San Isidro 69 kV line — supplying SOLECO
- Placer–Madrid 69 kV line — supplying the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO), Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), and Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II)
- Additionally, one 38 kV line and one 350 kV line are also reported down, though exact service areas remain unspecified
These outages show the breadth of the impact: both the Visayas and Mindanao grids have been hit, affecting multiple cooperatives and leaving large numbers of consumers potentially without power.
Response and Restoration Efforts
NGCP assured the public that its line crews had already been mobilized and that patrols were being conducted to assess the full extent of the damage. The corporation stated that simultaneous restoration efforts are ongoing in all accessible areas. Initial updates indicate that some transmission routes in Surigao have already been restored, while work continues in Leyte and Southern Leyte.
The restoration process, however, remains challenging. Many of the damaged lines are located in areas still affected by flooding, landslides, and blocked roads, which delay the movement of personnel and equipment. Electric cooperatives are coordinating closely with NGCP to determine whether ongoing power interruptions are caused by transmission line issues or by damage to their own distribution systems. Local officials have also deployed response teams to assist in clearing debris and providing temporary lighting in heavily affected communities.
Impacts on Visayas and Mindanao
Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) caused major power disruptions across Visayas and Mindanao, affecting homes, businesses, and key services. In Leyte and Southern Leyte, residents experienced blackouts that halted communication and commerce, forcing many to rely on generators.
In Mindanao, especially in Surigao and Siargao, hospitals, water systems, and small industries also suffered temporary shutdowns. The incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen the Philippines’ power infrastructure to better withstand severe typhoons.
Government and Utility Coordination
As Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) moved westward at around 25 km/h, both national and local authorities issued regular advisories to ensure public safety. The Department of Energy and NGCP continued to monitor the situation and urged electric cooperatives to provide accurate updates to consumers. Disaster response units under the local government also worked to assist affected families and set up emergency shelters in areas still without power.
Authorities reminded residents to stay away from fallen power lines and immediately report them to electric cooperatives or barangay officials. In many coastal towns, LGUs also warned against returning to damaged homes until inspections were completed, especially in flood-prone areas.
Community Preparedness and Safety
While the NGCP continues with its restoration work, communities are reminded to take necessary precautions. Residents are advised to use generators safely, avoid overloading circuits, and keep flammable materials away from power sources. Households should also store enough food, water, and lighting supplies during extended outages. For areas where power has been restored, consumers are encouraged to inspect electrical wiring for damage before reconnecting to avoid short circuits or fire hazards.
Moving Forward
The aftermath of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) shows that the Philippines’ power sector still faces vulnerabilities, especially in regions frequently hit by typhoons. The NGCP’s prompt response and ongoing restoration efforts demonstrate improved coordination compared to past storms, but long-term solutions are needed. The government, energy providers, and local communities must continue working together to strengthen power infrastructure, improve early warning systems, and develop faster disaster recovery protocols.
Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) serves as another reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change and the importance of building sustainable, resilient systems to protect both lives and livelihoods. The resilience of the power grid directly reflects the resilience of the nation—and as recovery continues, the lessons from this storm should guide future planning and investment to ensure that Filipinos remain powered and protected, even amid the strongest tempests.
Stay tuned at Juan 365 News for more updates!
