ANTIQUE — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Antique has issued an urgent warning for residents to brace for the possible onslaught of Typhoon “Tino”, which may bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall once it makes landfall.
“Expect the worst. The impact could reach 184 kilometers per hour,” warned PDRRMO officer Broderick Train, stressing the importance of early preparation and disaster readiness.
Based on PAGASA forecasts, the typhoon could raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 or No. 5 over parts of Antique. TCWS No. 4 signals typhoon-force winds of 118–184 kilometers per hour capable of causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure, while TCWS No. 5 — the highest warning level — indicates super typhoon conditions exceeding 185 kilometers per hour, which could result in catastrophic destruction and prolonged service interruptions.
Train said the center of the typhoon may directly affect the central portion of Antique, particularly the towns of Laua-an and Barbaza, with the critical period expected from 2 a.m. on November 4 to 2 a.m. on November 5. During this time, the province may experience destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surges.
To mitigate risks, the PDRRMO has advised all municipal and barangay DRRMOs to conduct preemptive evacuations beginning Monday afternoon, including the transfer of farm animals to safer areas. Food and non-food supplies should also be pre-positioned in island and remote barangays before weather conditions worsen.
Provincial government employees were working overtime on Monday, November 3, at the New Capitol lobby to prepare 1,500 family food packs (FFPs) for evacuees. Each pack contains 5 kilograms of rice, six canned goods, and two instant noodles. According to PSWD Officer Lazaro Petinglay, the province has 3,000 FFPs ready at its warehouse, while 17,350 FFPs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were prepositioned to municipal local government units (LGUs).
Residents are urged to prepare emergency “Go Bags” containing food, water, medicines, flashlights, radios, whistles, important documents, and cash, and to stay indoors during the typhoon.
In a public advisory, the Provincial Government of Antique reiterated the call for vigilance, advising the public to secure their homes and belongings, avoid unnecessary travel, fishing, and river crossings, and monitor official updates from PAGASA and local DRRM offices.
“Stay alert, take all necessary precautions, and prioritize the safety of your family and community at all times,” the advisory emphasized. Authorities continue to monitor Typhoon ‘Tino’ closely as it approaches the Visayas region./PN
