TYPHOON Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) continues to strengthen over the Philippine Sea, with PAGASA warning that it may reach super typhoon status within 24 hours.
The system was last located 360 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving west-southwestward at 25 km/h.
Landfall is expected around midnight or early Tuesday morning over the southern portion of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, or Dinagat Islands.
Tino will then traverse Visayas and northern Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday.
Evacuate now, Pagasa urges
PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando issued a strong appeal for early evacuation and strict adherence to local advisories, especially in high-risk areas.
‘Sa mga areas na maaapektuhan, pinapayuhan natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging vigilant. Sundin ang mga pinaiiral na payo ng kanilang mga lokal na disaster managers at local executives. If possible, as early as today ay lumikas na sa kanilang bahay, lalong-lalo na sa mga direktang tatamaan at alam nilang sila ay nasa hazard-prone area,’ Servando said.
He also warned fisherfolk and coastal residents to avoid venturing out to sea, citing the threat of dangerous waves: ‘Sa ating mga kababayan, if possible, itigil na ang pumalaot upang maiwasan ang magiging trahedya dahil inaasahan natin ang malalakas na pag-aalon ng karagatan.’
Track mirrors Yolanda, intensification ongoing
Tino’s projected path closely resembles that of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, raising alarm across Eastern Visayas.
While Yolanda remains historically stronger, Tino is forecast to reach peak intensity at landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 150 to 165 km/h and higher gusts.
PAGASA notes that a tropical cyclone is classified as a super typhoon once it reaches maximum sustained winds of at least 185 km/h near the center. With favorable sea conditions fueling rapid intensification, Tino may cross this threshold before landfall.
Hazards extend beyond forecast cone
Officials warn that severe winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges may affect areas outside the landfall point and forecast confidence cone. Wind Signal No. 4-the highest alert level-may be raised in some areas, indicating winds strong enough to topple trees, damage crops, and disrupt power and communication lines.
Storm surges of 2.1 to 3 meters are expected in the Dinagat Islands, the rest of Eastern Samar, the eastern portion of Leyte, the northern and western portions of Northern Samar, the southern portion of Samar, and Siargao/Bucas Grande Islands.
Areas identified as highly prone to storm surges, especially those likely to fall under Signal No. 4, include Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte.
A broader range of coastal areas faces a 1 to 2 meter storm surge risk, including but not limited to Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Masbate, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Sorsogon, and Southern Leyte.
Due to this high risk, residents in coastal areas are strongly advised to evacuate to higher ground and heed the guidance of local authorities.
Flooding and landslides expected
Peak effects-including torrential rains and strong winds-are expected today through Tuesday across Visayas, Southern Luzon, and parts of Mindanao.
PAGASA forecasts over 200 mm of rainfall in Eastern Samar and Dinagat Island today, increasing the risk of widespread flooding and landslides.
Rainfall forecasts:
Today (Nov 3):
Heavy to intense (100-200 mm): Northern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte
Moderate to heavy (50-100 mm): Sorsogon, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte
Tomorrow (Nov 4):
Severe flooding (>200 mm): Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, parts of Cebu
Heavy to intense (100-200 mm): Romblon, Masbate, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte
Moderate to heavy (50-100 mm): Rest of Bicol, Eastern Visayas, MIMAROPA, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur
Wednesday (Nov 5):
Heavy to intense rains: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan
Moderate to heavy rains: Marinduque, Quezon, Masbate, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental
Disaster response teams are on high alert. Authorities continue to urge the public to monitor official advisories and prepare for emergency conditions.