ILOILO – With Typhoon “Tino” forecast to batter Panay Island today with fierce winds and dangerous storm surges, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ordered fisherfolk and coastal residents across Iloilo Province to suspend sea activities and prepare for possible evacuation as the weather system nears landfall.
Commander Richard Gura, head of the PCG Station Iloilo, said patrols have been intensified and small boats are being strictly monitored for compliance with the no-sail advisory.
“We are appealing to our fisherfolk and those living near the coast to avoid fishing or any form of sea activity for now,” Gura stressed. “Let’s prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary risks that could lead to loss of lives.”
The Coast Guard also directed barangay disaster teams to stay alert for sudden changes in sea level and to heed evacuation orders from local government units (LGUs), especially in shoreline communities.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon “Tino” is expected to make landfall around 8 a.m. today, November 4.
The weather bureau earlier raised Storm Surge Warning No. 1 for Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Masbate, and Bohol, warning of waves reaching up to two meters high.
Although weather conditions remained “normal” as of 11:30 a.m. Monday, Gura said the Coast Guard has placed all personnel and disaster response units on full alert.
“As of this morning, our observation shows normal weather and sea conditions,” he said. “But our personnel are now on full alert. Our disaster response teams are ready to be deployed, especially in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding once heavy rains begin.”
PAGASA Iloilo officer-in-charge Engr. Ferdinand “Ferj” Rubin warned that the province could be placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 within 24 hours as the typhoon continues to intensify, with possible rainfall of up to 200 millimeters that may trigger flash floods and landslides.
“Based on satellite data, the typhoon could bring up to 200 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, which may cause flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas,” Rubin explained.
Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. assured that the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is fully prepared, with all local disaster offices instructed to activate emergency operations centers, monitor river levels, and coordinate early evacuation in high-risk zones.
Authorities continue to urge public vigilance and cooperation, advising residents to stay indoors, monitor official advisories, and prepare emergency kits for potential power outages or forced evacuations./PN