MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Tino (international name Kalmaegi) intensified over the Philippine Sea yesterday as it continued to move westward toward the Visayas, bringing the threat of heavy rains, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the storm’s center was estimated at 805 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph, moving westward at 30 kph.
PAGASA raised tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 over Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and the Camotes Islands in the Visayas, and Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.
These areas may experience strong winds (39 to 61 kph) and minimal to minor damage to life and property within the next 36 hours.
The weather bureau said the highest wind signal likely to be raised during Tino’s passage could reach Signal No. 4.
PAGASA said Tino is expected to continue tracking westward, and may make landfall over Eastern Samar or Dinagat Islands. The system is forecast to cross Visayas and northern Palawan before exiting into the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday.
The storm is expected to further strengthen into a typhoon within 24 hours, possibly reaching peak winds of 150 to 165 kph upon landfall. PAGASA added that rapid intensification remains possible, and Tino could reach super typhoon status based on current climatological data.
On its Facebook page, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas, headed by Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr., announced that all its stations are already on full alert.
The PCG District Eastern Visayas said it has deployed 35 coast guard personnel, who are members of their deployable response group (DRG), to their stations.
The DRG teams were sent to Eastern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte.
Aside from preparing for Tino, the Coast Guard are monitoring seaports all over the country because of Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2025. They anticipate an influx of sea passengers who would be returning home from the long weekend.
DSWD on full alert
The Department of Social Welfare and Development assures the public that all of its field offices are on full alert and prepared to deliver immediate assistance.
As of publication, a total of 558,098 family food packs are already prepositioned across DSWD warehouses nationwide. This includes 122,884 food packs in MIMAROPA, 89,566 in Region 6 (Western Visayas), 70,799 in the Negros Island Region, 71,539 in Region 7 (Central Visayas), 121,331 in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and 81,989 food boxes in CARAGA.
9,558 schools at risk of flooding
The Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) yesterday released its “Preparedness for Response, Tropical Storm Tino and Shearline.”
It mentioned that Tino and the associated shearline “may impact 9,558 schools at risk of flooding and 15,668 schools at risk of rain-induced landslides” in 109 school divisions.
Meanwhile, Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado announced the suspension of classes in all levels, for both public schools and private schools, in the province.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Trenas also announced the suspension of face-to-face classes.
The University of the Philippines Visayas said they would be shifting from face-to-face classes to online mode today.
Eastern Visayas State University announced as early as Nov. 1 that it would implement adjusted work and class arrangement across all campuses.
The Visayas State University also posted its own advisory for today, “flexible work arrangements remain in effect. Offices may allow limited on-site work, as agreed with their heads, to secure the facilities and equipment.” — Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan