BACOLOD City – The province of Negros Occidental has been placed under red alert status effective November 1 until weather conditions significantly improve due to Tropical Storm (TS) “Tino”.
The alert status was raised following the issuance of Memorandum No. 11-01-12 by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that “Tino” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 2.
In its 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said “Tino” was located 955 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, moving westward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was hoisted over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands and Surigao and Bucas Grande Islands.
“Tino” will move generally westward over the next three days and make its initial landfall over Eastern Samar or Dinagat Islands late evening of Monday or early Tuesday morning.
It is expected to traverse Visayas and northern Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning or afternoon.
PAGASA added that the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out based on alternate scenarios and climatological data.
Following reports of worsening weather conditions, several local government units (LGUs) in the province — including Bacolod City, which remains under blue alert status — have declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, on November 3 and 4.
As of press time, the municipalities of Toboso, Moises Padilla, Binalbagan, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Manapla, as well as the cities of Sagay and Cadiz, have suspended classes. The Municipality of Calatrava has extended its suspension from November 4 to 6.
The provincial government and city authorities have mobilized their disaster response units to ensure readiness in case of emergencies brought about by the typhoon.
Bacolod City’s Mayor Greg Gasataya appealed for public cooperation, saying, “As we expect heavy rainfall in the following days, we ask everyone to remain calm and stay safe.”
He assured residents that response teams are on standby and measures are in place to ensure full preparedness for any situation that may arise./PN
