MANILA - Severe Tropical Storm Tino continues to demonstrate formidable strength as it barrels toward Mindanao, prompting weather authorities to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 across multiple provinces in the southern Philippines.
Critical Warning Levels Activated
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed several Mindanao areas under TCWS No. 4, indicating potentially devastating wind forces expected to hit the region. Residents in these localities are advised to take immediate precautionary measures as the storm maintains its intensity.
Storm Characteristics and Projected Path
According to the latest weather bulletin issued at 4:00 PM, Tino was tracked approximately 255 kilometers east of Davao City, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness reaching up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The storm continues to move westward at 20 kilometers per hour, posing significant threats to Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region. Meteorologists project Tino will make landfall within the next 12-24 hours, bringing torrential rains and destructive winds.
Areas Under Highest Alert
TCWS No. 4 is currently in effect for:
- Eastern Samar
- Dinagat Islands
- Surigao del Norte
- Surigao del Sur
- Davao Oriental
- Northern Davao Occidental
These areas are expected to experience winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, capable of causing severe damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Expanded Warning Signals
Additional regions have been placed under TCWS No. 3, including:
- Southern Leyte
- Bohol
- Camiguin
- Misamis Oriental
- Davao de Oro
- Davao del Norte
Emergency Preparedness Measures
Local government units across affected regions have initiated preemptive evacuations in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas. Emergency response teams are on high alert, with relief goods and rescue equipment prepositioned in strategic locations.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has coordinated with regional offices to ensure swift response operations once the storm makes landfall.
Maritime and Transportation Advisories
Several sea routes have been suspended due to rough sea conditions, stranding hundreds of passengers in various ports. The Philippine Coast Guard has implemented no-sail policies for small vessels in affected sea routes.
Air travel may also experience disruptions as the storm approaches, with airlines advising passengers to monitor flight status updates regularly.
Public Safety Recommendations
Residents in affected areas are urged to:
- Secure loose outdoor items that could become projectiles
- Prepare emergency kits with essential supplies
- Monitor official weather updates from PAGASA
- Evacuate immediately if living in flood-prone areas
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm's passage
The weather bureau continues to monitor Tino's development and will issue updates every three hours or as significant changes occur in the storm's behavior.
