The entire province of Iloilo could be placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 by Tuesday, as Typhoon Tino continues to intensify and move closer to Panay Island, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned on Monday.
According to Engr. Ferdinand Rubin of Pagasa Iloilo, the typhoon is expected to unleash violent winds and torrential rains that could trigger widespread flooding, especially in low-lying towns.
‘Based on satellite data, Typhoon Tino may bring more than 200 millimeters of rainfall within the next 24 hours as it nears Iloilo,’ Rubin said.
He added: ‘We are advising residents to stay vigilant and heed evacuation advisories.’
Aside from intense rainfall, Pagasa warned of possible storm surges that may batter coastal communities across the province.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the Iloilo provincial government is fully prepared to respond and extend assistance to affected municipalities.
‘We are ready to respond and provide help to towns that will be affected,’ Defensor said, stressing the importance of close coordination among local disaster response teams.
As of 11 a.m. Pagasa update, Iloilo City and several municipalities have been placed under Signal No. 2, including Carles, Oton, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Badiangan, Calinog, Bingawan, Passi City, Dueñas, Mina, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Zarraga, Pototan, New Lucena, Leganes, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Dingle, San Enrique, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Lemery, Ajuy, Concepcion, Sara, San Dionisio, Batad, Balasan, and Estancia.
With Tino expected to further strengthen before landfall, authorities have urged residents to secure their homes, prepare emergency kits, and avoid coastal areas as strong winds and storm surges threaten to hit by Tuesday.
Pagasa said it will continue to issue updates every three hours as Tino moves closer to Western Visayas