Typhoon “Tino” brought heavy rains that caused flooding, landslides, and triggered panic-buying in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao on Monday.
“Tino” slightly intensified while moving toward Eastern Visayas and the Caraga Administrative Region in Mindanao.
The center wind of “Tino” was estimated at 170 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
It was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center, with gustiness of up to 160 kph.
The storm is forecast to make landfall or pass very close to Homonhon Island or Dinagat Islands Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
It is also expected to make landfall over Leyte or Southern Leyte by early Tuesday morning before crossing the Visayas and northern Palawan throughout Wednesday early morning.
The typhoon will likely emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning or afternoon and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday morning.
It is forecast make its initial landfall at or near peak intensity (currently predicted to be around 140-155 km/h maximum winds with higher gustiness).
Rapid intensification before landfall was held likely.
While the interaction of the typhoon with the terrain will trigger a slight weakening, “Tino” is expected to remain at typhoon category while passing through the country.
In Cebu, a rain-induced landslide struck Barangay Bongon in Tabuelan early Monday morning. Authorities said no one was injured as the incident took place far from residential areas.
By afternoon, several towns in northern Cebu reported flooding. In Barangay Bagasawe, Tuburan, resident Bokbok Sarlatan shared a video showing waist-deep floodwaters inundating parts of the community.
“We [have] evacuated to the school,” Sarlatan said.
Online vloggers reported flooding in Barangay 8 and other areas in the town of Tuburan, including Asturias and Tabuelan.
The Cebu government ordered evacuations in low-lying areas.
“Naka-preposition na ang food packs and essential supplies,” said Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.
Cebu Archbishop Albert Uy directed priests to open churches for the evacuees.
Meanwhile, streets in Ormoc City were busy as residents indulged in panic buying ahead of “Tino.”
Grocery shelves ran empty as people stock up on basic goods.
Long lines were also noted at banks as people withdrew cash. At gasoline stations, long queues developed as car owners sought to refuel.
Employees of the Office of the City Prosecutor secured computers and important records in preparation for the storm. Ornamental plants were brought inside the Hall of Justice building and placed on top of chairs.
In the town of Tubay, Agusan del Norte, vehicles could not cross a section of the national highway due to flooding caused by Tino.
In a video uploaded by Jackie Tan, strong floodwaters rushed across the road as several motorcycle riders attempted to pass through.
Another video from Farouk Aluyodan showed several residents needing help to get out of the floodwaters.
Some families have evacuated to the municipal gymnasium ahead of the storm.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday announced it has raised its blue alert status to red to monitor, consolidate, and ensure prompt coordination with concerned agencies and offices due to Typhoon Tino.
In Eastern Visayas, Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla placed the province under “red alert,” meaning response efforts are in full force, with all personnel on duty and evacuations underway.
“In view of the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Tino and to protect the welfare of government personnel, students, and the general public, the Provincial Government of Leyte finds it necessary to suspend work and classes as a precautionary measure,” Petilla noted.
Southern Leyte Governor Damien Mercado has also ordered the suspension of work in all government and private offices and classes at all levels in his province. According to Mercado, Southern Leyte faces a high risk of heavy rainfall, which could trigger flash floods, storm surges, and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The Department of Natural Resources-Mining and Geosciences Bureau in Eastern Visayas issued a geohazard advisory Monday morning, warning residents in areas highly susceptible to landslides and flooding.
Based on their data, Southern Leyte has the highest susceptibility to landslides, with 151 barangays classified as very high/high risk, while Eastern Samar has the highest susceptibility to flooding, with 277 barangays registering very high risk.
In Cebu, the provincial government raised its alert status to red following a recommendation from its PDRRMO.
Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Dennis Pastor said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has begun pre-packing relief goods, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other agencies have prepositioned food and non-food items for immediate distribution.
It is the highest alert status of the NDRRMOC to address an ongoing or in anticipation of an imminent emergency situation. It requires response agency staffing at the NDRRMOC and immediate interagency coordination.
