Bacolod city: Typhoon Tino, known internationally as Kalmaegi, has weakened slightly but continues to pose a threat to Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region with strong winds, heavy rains, and possible coastal flooding, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA’s 11 a.m. bulletin reported that the center of Tino was located near Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, with coordinates at 10.6°N, 122.9°E. The typhoon carried maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, gusts reaching up to 195 km/h, and a central pressure of 965 hPa, moving westward at 25 km/h.
Strong winds associated with Tino extend up to 300 kilometers from its center. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 remains in effect over areas including the Cuyo Islands, northern Negros Oriental, northern Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo, Antique, and the southern portion of Aklan, where significant to severe threats to life and property are anticipated within the next 12 hours.
Signal No. 3 covers parts of Masbate, Palawan (including the Calamian Islands), northern and central Cebu, northern Negros Oriental, southern Negros Occidental, and the remaining areas of Aklan and Antique, where storm-force winds may cause moderate to significant impacts. Signal No. 2 affects regions such as southern Masbate, sections of Mindoro and Romblon, western Leyte, western Biliran, northwestern Bohol, and parts of Negros and Cebu, experiencing gale-force winds. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 is in place over parts of Southern Luzon, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, and several Visayas provinces, with expectations of strong winds causing minimal to minor damage.
PAGASA has warned that heavy rainfall from Tino and the shear line could trigger flooding and landslides, particularly in areas with saturated soil or mountainous terrain. The agency also highlighted the potential for severe wind damage even in locations not directly in Tino’s path. Coastal and upland areas, particularly in Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, may experience stronger gusts due to the combined effects of the Northeast Monsoon and shear line.
A high risk of life-threatening storm surges, exceeding 3 meters, is anticipated over the next 24 hours in areas such as Masbate, Romblon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and various regions across Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Camiguin. Residents in low-lying and coastal areas are urged to evacuate to higher ground and adhere to local officials’ orders.
A Gale Warning is in place for the eastern and southern seaboards of Luzon, Visayas seaboards, and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. Sea travel remains unsafe for all vessels due to very rough to high seas, reaching up to 6 meters in open waters.
The forecast suggests that Typhoon Tino will continue moving across Western Visayas and northern Palawan, expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning. Tino is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday. Despite slight weakening due to land interaction over the Negros Island Region, Tino is likely to maintain its typhoon intensity over land and may regain strength upon reaching the sea.
PAGASA urged residents, especially those in areas under higher wind signals and coastal zones, to remain alert, prepare for possible evacuations, and stay updated with official advisories. Local disaster risk reduction and management offices should implement precautionary measures and coordinate with communities to ensure public safety.
For detailed rainfall warnings and thunderstorm advisories, the public is encouraged to follow updates from PAGASA’s Regional Services Divisions and local government units.
