Manila: Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) has strengthened as it moves west toward the Visayas and northern Palawan, bringing heavy rains, storm-force winds, and the threat of life-threatening storm surges in several regions, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Monday. As of 11 a.m., the center of Tino was estimated at 285 km east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 to 165 kph near the center with higher gusts.
According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA indicated that rapid intensification remains likely within the next 24 hours, with the possibility of Tino reaching super typhoon category. Tino may make its initial landfall over the southern portion of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, or Dinagat Islands late Monday night or early Tuesday morning before crossing the Visayas and northern Palawan, then exiting into the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday afternoon.
Moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds are possible in areas under Wind Signal No. 3, while minor to moderate effects may be experienced in areas under Wind Signals Nos. 1 and 2. PAGASA said the highest signal likely to be raised during Tino’s passage is Signal No. 4. The weather bureau also warned of storm surges exceeding 3 meters within the next 48 hours over low-lying coastal communities in Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, Mindoro provinces, Palawan, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Sur, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin.
The northeast monsoon will enhance Tino’s winds, bringing strong to gale-force gusts over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Bicol Region through Wednesday. A gale warning is in effect over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao and the eastern and southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, with sea conditions reaching up to 9 meters in some areas. PAGASA advised mariners to stay in port or seek safe harbor, and for small boats and motorbancas to avoid venturing out to sea.
Residents in areas along the typhoon’s path are urged to take precautionary measures, monitor official updates, and follow evacuation orders from local authorities.
