DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 03 November) – Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 4 has been raised in Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Bucas Grande Islands, areas previously devastated by Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) in December 2021, as Severe Tropical Storm ‘Tino’ (Kalmaegi) intensified into a typhoon, according to Tropical Cyclone Bulletin 7 issued at 2 p.m. by the state weather bureau. These areas were also under Storm Signal 4 when ‘Odette’ made landfall in Siargao Island at 1:30 p.m. and in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands at 3:10 p.m. on December 16, 2021. ‘Odette’ made seven additional landfalls across the Visayas and Palawan. The 2 p.m. bulletin indicated that ‘Tino’ is expected to move westward over the next 24 hours, with potential landfall in southern Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, or Dinagat Islands by Monday night or early Tuesday morning. It is forecast to traverse Visayas and northern Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday afternoon and exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday morning. As of 2 p.m., ‘Tino’s center was 235 km east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving at 25 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h. PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges in affected areas. The typhoon is expected to make landfall at or near peak intensity, with rapid intensification likely. Earlier advisories raised Signal 4 over Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Bucas Grande Islands, with Signal 3 in Surigao del Norte, Signal 2 in northern Surigao del Sur, northern Agusan del Sur, northern Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin, and Signal 1 in other areas. Super Typhoon ‘Odette’ claimed 406 lives, including 80 in Mindanao, with significant damage to infrastructure and houses. Heavy rains from ‘Tino’ have already submerged parts of the national highway in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, rendering it impassable. Evacuation operations are underway, with local authorities urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate early. Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny T. Pimentel assured coordinated preparedness efforts, while several local governments suspended classes, work, and enforced no-sail policies. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow official advisories. (Carolyn O. Arguillas with reports from Queenie Casio and Chris Panganiban / MindaNews)
