The province of Cebu is preparing for a wet weekend as Tropical Depression Wilma moves closer to the Visayas region. The weather disturbance is expected to bring significant rainfall starting Friday, December 5, 2025, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides.
Pagasa's Latest Storm Update and Track
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the storm was last spotted 600 kilometers east of northern Samar as of Thursday, December 4. Weather officials reported that Wilma is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour and is moving in a west-southwest direction at a speed of 20 kph.
Pagasa forecasts that the tropical depression could make landfall over Eastern Samar, Eastern Visayas, or Dinagat Island sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning, December 6. The weather system is then projected to cross the Visayas region until Monday, December 8, before moving out toward the Sulu Sea and Palawan.
Wide Rainbands to Soak Cebu, Risks Highlighted
Pagasa Weather Specialist Ana Dumdum clarified that while the storm's eye may not directly pass over Cebu, its expansive rainbands will likely affect the province. She warned residents to expect prolonged rainfall throughout the weekend.
"This system still carries strong winds, although it is still a tropical depression," Dumdum stated. "Its rainbands could start affecting areas as early as tomorrow." The primary threat for Central and Western Visayas, including Cebu, is the heightened risk of flash floods and landslides due to the expected persistent rains.
Local Governments Act: Class Suspensions Announced
In proactive response to the adverse weather forecast, several local government units in Cebu have suspended face-to-face classes for Friday and Saturday. These localities have shifted to alternative learning delivery modes to ensure student safety.
As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, the following areas have announced class suspensions:
- Minglanilla
- Talisay City
- Moalboal
- Dalaguete
- Compostela
- Cordova
- Santa Fe
- Bantayan Island
- City of Naga
- Argao
- Carcar City
- Lapu-Lapu City
Residents across the province are advised to stay updated with official weather bulletins from Pagasa and directives from their local disaster risk reduction and management offices. Precautionary measures against possible flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions are strongly recommended.
