Cebu Archbishop Alberto ‘Abet’ Uy on Monday instructed all priests in the Archdiocese of Cebu to open church facilities as temporary shelters for residents seeking refuge during the ongoing typhoon.
In a directive issued to parishes, Uy emphasized that this applies to all structurally safe churches, excluding those damaged by the recent earthquake.
‘Please stay safe and keep everyone in your prayers,’ he added, urging the faithful to prioritize safety while helping their communities.
Churches throughout Cebu are expected to accommodate families and individuals needing shelter until Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) passes
Residents of central Cebu, including the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, and Danao, and nearby towns, are on alert as Typhoon Tino maintains its strength while moving westward over the Philippine Sea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 in these areas as of 2 p.m. on Monday, November 3, warning of storm-force winds of up to 117 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 150 kph.
Authorities advise residents in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone areas to seek shelter and follow evacuation instructions. Local governments, including Cebu City and Mandaue City, have opened evacuation centers and are coordinating emergency response efforts.
Cebu is expected to experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible coastal flooding over the next 24 hours. Pagasa warns that Tino may traverse the Visayas and intensify, with peak winds forecasted at 150-165 kph.
Residents are urged to stay updated with official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel, especially at sea, as rough to very rough conditions are expected along the eastern and northern seaboards