Local authorities across the Visayas are calling on communities, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone zones, to prepare for potential evacuations as Tropical Depression Wilma tracks across the Philippine Sea toward the region.
Storm Position and Forecast Path
In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Thursday, the state weather bureau Pagasa reported that the center of Wilma was located 575 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. The tropical depression is moving in a west-southwest direction at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h. Strong winds extend outward up to 220 kilometers from the storm's core.
Pagasa has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 over several areas in northern Cebu. This includes major urban centers like Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu City, as well as the municipality of Cordova and other surrounding towns. Under this signal, winds of 39 to 61 km/h are expected, which may bring minor damage to structures and vegetation.
Cebu City Activates Disaster Response
In Cebu City, disaster officials are taking proactive measures. Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), stated that all barangay captains have been directed to prepare for the evacuation of residents in vulnerable communities.
Tumulak confirmed that the city's emergency operations center is now active. Heavy equipment has been strategically deployed, and the 911 emergency services are on standby. He strongly advised residents living in identified danger zones not to wait and to evacuate early for their own safety.
Pagasa forecasts that Cebu will experience moderate to heavy rainfall from Thursday evening through Friday, with estimated accumulations of 50 to 100 millimeters. Coastal waters are predicted to be rough to very rough, prompting authorities to strongly discourage any sea travel.
Expected Landfall and Trajectory
Wilma is projected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas or the Dinagat Islands between Friday evening and Saturday morning. After landfall, the weather disturbance is expected to traverse the Visayas region before emerging over the Sulu Sea by Monday.
National and local disaster management councils continue to monitor the situation closely. The public is urged to stay updated on the latest weather advisories from Pagasa and to follow all instructions issued by local government and disaster response officials to ensure personal and community safety.
