ILOILO – With Typhoon “Tino” (international name: “Kalmaegi”) threatening to unleash storm surges up to two meters high within the next 48 hours, authorities in this province have moved to red alert and ordered preemptive evacuations in several coastal towns.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the powerful storm could bring torrential rains, destructive winds, and life-threatening coastal inundation, prompting the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to activate its Emergency Operations Center.
The PDRRMC said this activation ensures the “coordinated mobilization of response teams, including social welfare, engineering, and medical services, to address any immediate needs arising from the storm.”
Yesterday, local governments started evacuating residents from low-lying communities in Ajuy, Concepcion, Carles, Estancia, Balasan, San Dionisio, Barotac Viejo, and Batad — areas tagged by PAGASA as highly vulnerable to storm surges and flooding.
PAGASA cautioned that the surges could reach between one and two meters, especially along eastern and northern coastlines, and advised residents to “avoid shorelines, suspend all fishing and marine activities, and consider relocation to higher ground.”
As of 6 p.m. Monday, November 3, according to PAGASA, Typhoon “Tino” was tracked 120 kilometers east of Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 135 km/h.
It is moving west-southwest at 20 km/h, expected to cross Panay Island early this Tuesday morning before exiting toward the Sulu Sea by midday.
The weather bureau warned of widespread heavy rains that could trigger flash floods and landslides in Western Visayas, while coastal waters in Iloilo City and Guimaras are expected to be dangerous to small sea vessels.
PAGASA yesterday afternoon raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over northern and eastern Iloilo, including the towns of Carles, Concepcion, and Barotac Viejo, as well as Iloilo City and neighboring municipalities.
Portions of Capiz and Guimaras are also under Signal No. 2, while Aklan and Antique remain under Signal No. 1.
“With the northern and eastern parts of Iloilo City and its nearby towns highly exposed to the storm’s hazards, residents are urged to stay vigilant and heed official advisories,” PAGASA said.
The agency also warned of possible landslides and flash floods in upland areas, as well as power interruptions due to strong winds./PN
