ASEANEWS HEADLINE-WEATHER | MANILA: Typhoon Tino maintains strength; Signal 4 raised

MANILA, Philippines — Meteorologists warned of intense rainfall, heavy flooding and mudslides as Typhoon Tino gathered strength yesterday, with the possibility of developing into a super typhoon.

Residents were evacuated, flights canceled, and schools and office work were suspended, with Wind Signal No. 4 hoisted yesterday over some areas as Tino (international name Kalmaegi) approached the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned of storm surges. PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando advised local authorities to prohibit sea travel.

A looming La Niña phenomenon could enhance the intense rainfall brought by the typhoon, which could spawn heavy flooding in vulnerable areas and cause more landslides, PAGASA said.

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At 5 p.m. yesterday, Tino strengthened further while moving closer to land, at 170 kilometers east-southeast of Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

It was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

The town of Guiuan as well as the southern portion of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Camotes Islands, the northeastern portion of Bohol, Dinagat Islands and the islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4.

The southern portion of Eastern Samar, southern portion of Samar, central portion of Leyte, the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan Islands, central and eastern portions of Bohol, northern portions of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, Guimaras, eastern Iloilo and the rest of Surigao del Norte were all under Signal No. 3.

 

Signal No. 2 was raised in the southern portion of Masbate, south Romblon, Cuyo Islands, central portions of Eastern Samar and Samar, the rest of Leyte, Biliran, the rest of Bohol and Cebu, central Negros Oriental, rest of Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Capiz, rest of Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, northern Surigao del Sur, northern Agusan del Sur, northern Agusan del Norte and Camiguin.

The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, rest of Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, southern portion of Quezon province, southern Marinduque, rest of Romblon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, northern and central Palawan including Calamian and Cagayancillo Islands, Northern Samar, rest of Eastern Samar and Samar and Negros Oriental, rest of Surigao del Sur, central Agusan del Sur, rest of Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, northern Bukidnon, northern Misamis Occidental and northern Zamboanga del Norte were under Signal No. 1.

The storm was projected to land either in the southern portion of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Dinagat Island by early morning today and traverse the Visayas area, until it emerges over the West Philippine Sea by tomorrow afternoon and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday morning.

Tino will remain as a typhoon while passing over the Visayas and northern Palawan, PAGASA said.

Aside from strong winds, Tino can also drench the entire Visayas, as well as some areas in Mindanao and the regions of Mimaropa and Bicol with rains of 50 and up to over 200 millimeters until tomorrow.

Also, storm surges with waves of more than three meters could hit coasts in these areas, with the highest waves to hit portions of Eastern Visayas and the Caraga regions.

The trough of Tino will also bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in the remaining areas of Mindanao and other parts of Bicol.

 

Meanwhile, two other weather systems will bring cloudy and rainy weather to the rest of Luzon and Mindanao today, based on PAGASA’s 24-hour weather forecast.

The northeast monsoon will persist in most of Northern Luzon, while the shear line will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Isabela and Aurora.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) discouraged travel by land-based public transportation while storm signals remain active.

In its advisory, the agency also advised public transport drivers to avoid unnecessary trips to Metro Manila, Bicol and the Visayas.

Preliminary evacuations

WATCH VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFtap7hNOr0

Forced evacuations implemented in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands due to Typhoon Tino | ANC

The World Tonight: Forced evacuations are carried out in the Dinagat Islands and elsewhere in the Caraga region of the Philippines ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Tino. -ANC, The World Tonight, November 3, 2025

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Thousands were evacuated in coastal provinces yesterday, ahead of Typhoon Tino’s landfall, which is on a collision course with Leyte island.

“Evacuations are ongoing in Palo and Tanauan,” said Leyte disaster official Roel Montesa, naming two of the towns hardest hit by storm surges in 2013, when Super Typhoon Yolanda killed more than 6,000 people.

Thousands of residents have also been evacuated since Sunday on neighboring Samar island, where three-meter surges are predicted, according to civil defence official Randy Nicart.

“Some local governments are resorting to forced evacuations, including Guiuan town, where the storm is likely to make landfall,” Nicart said.

 

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The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, routinely striking disaster-prone areas where millions live in poverty.

With Tino, the Philippines has already reached that average, PAGASA weather service specialist Charmaine Varilla told AFP, adding that at least “three to five more” storms could be expected by yearend.

Just south of Leyte, in Dinagat Islands, Gov. Nilo Demerey said 10,000 to 15,000 people had been pre-emptively moved to safer areas.

“We have been implementing preemptive evacuations for the past two days, while there is time,” Demerey told AFP.

Disaster official Joy Conales said residents of Dinagat’s Loreto town were told to evacuate to higher ground.

The town has a one-story-tall “wave breaker” dike intended to protect its center from big waves.

 

A community from an island barangay off Getafe town, about 90 kilometers from Tagbiliran City, started as early as Sunday to evacuate to the mainland, Mayor Cary Camacho said.

Some 66 families, or 267 persons, including children, senior citizens and women from the island of Nasingin are being accommodated at the municipal cultural center on Sunday as the typhoon is expected to hit Bohol.

Gov. Aris Aumentado declared no classes in all private and public schools yesterday as a preemptive measure.

The tourist destination of Panglao has issued an advisory suspending all water activities like snorkeling, island hopping and sea travel up to tomorrow.

Sea travel from other islands, like Cebu and Cagayan de Oro and to Bohol, are also cancelled today.

Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change.

Varilla said Tuesday that higher numbers of cyclones typically accompany La Niña, a naturally occurring climate pattern that cools surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

The Philippines was hit by two major storms in September, including Super Typhoon Nando, which toppled trees and tore the roofs off buildings, and killed 14 people in neighboring Taiwan.

PNP steps up

The Philippine National Police has placed all its units on full alert and has begun deploying personnel ahead of Tino’s expected landfall.

As early as Oct. 31, the PNP said police teams were dispatched to areas identified as prone to flooding, landslides and storm surges, even as thousands of officers continued to secure cemeteries, transport terminals and major roads during the Undas holiday.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police are working on two fronts: ensuring public safety during Undas and preparing for disaster response once the storm hits.

 

“We have already pre-positioned responders, vehicles and rescue teams in areas threatened by the storm,” Nartatez said.

Police units nationwide have activated their disaster action plans in coordination with local government units (LGU), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other emergency responders.

Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing heavy rains and to contact 911 or the nearest police station for assistance.

In an advisory issued yesterday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged all LGUs, especially those in vulnerable areas, to ensure that minimum critical preparedness actions are in place, including the evacuation of residents.

The DILG also reminded that local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) must be convened to conduct pre-disaster risk assessment meetings, closely monitor river water levels and enforce the no-sailing policy, prohibiting sea travel and small-scale fishing when gale warnings are issued.

Classes suspended

As Negros Island braces for the effects of Typhoon Tino today, work in government offices and classes in all levels, both private and public, have been suspended, while the Philippine Coast Guard also temporarily cancelled sea vessel trips between the islands of Negros, Panay and Cebu.

Classes were also suspended in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental yesterday until today.

All local disaster councils are now on red alert, while Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson called on Negrenses to heed the call on pre-evacuation if needed.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental announced there will be no work for its employees today. A similar announcement was also made by the Bacolod City government and other LGUs.

Lacson, however, said that government offices engaged in delivery of basic health, preparedness and disaster response services shall continue to operate.

Classes and work in Eastern Visayas were suspended yesterday. Flights at the Tacloban airport were also canceled effective immediately.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez has urged Taclobanons to evacuate and prioritize safety, as Typhoon Tino approaches the city.

At a briefing with department heads, Romualdez advised residents to be at home by 5 p.m. and to follow evacuation orders.

In Borongan City, the DRRMC convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to finalize preparedness and response measures. Presided over by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, the meeting focused on ensuring community safety and readiness of all response mechanisms as the storm approaches Eastern Samar.

In Northern Samar, convening the provincial DRRMC yesterday, Gov. Harris Ongchuan advised the public to brace for heavy rains, as PAGASA forecast 100 millimeters to 200mm of rainfall – categorized under orange rainfall – today.

With the threat of heavy rains, Ongchuan ordered the suspension of work in government offices yesterday, while the suspension of work today will largely depend on weather updates.

The provincial government of Misamis Oriental, including Gingoog City, suspended classes today at all levels as precautionary measure.

Gingoog City Mayor Eric Cañosa, through the city DRRM department, has deployed heavy equipment in preparation for possible flash floods and strong winds that may uproot trees and damage structures.

 

The suspension of classes covers Gingoog City and the municipalities Misamis Oriental of Tagoloan, Balingoan, Sugbongcogon, Binuangan, Medina, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Opol, Magsaysay, Kinoguitan, Talisayan, Manticao, Naawan and Initao.

Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo has likewise ordered the suspension of classes in all levels across the province. Ferries are also suspended from Benoni to Balingoan Port back and forth.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy has yet to issue an executive order for the suspension of classes. However, the City Engineering Office has begun clearing and desilting major drainage systems, which have been clogged with accumulated garbage.

Court work suspended

As authorized by the Supreme Court (SC), work in several courts across Southern Philippines was suspended yesterday.

In Leyte, the suspensions include all courts and offices under the territorial jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court of Tacloban City, RTC Calubian, the entire Carigara Judicial District and all courts under RTC Branch 14 in Baybay City.

In Samar, the suspension covered all first and second level courts under the jurisdiction of RTC Catbalogan City, RTC Calbayog, RTC Gandara and RTC Branch 33 of Calbiga.

In Eastern Samar, work in all courts under RTC Borongan City, RTC Dolores and RTC Branch 5 in Oras.

The suspension also affected Northern Samar, specifically RTC Catarman, RTC Branches 21 and 22 of Laoang and their corresponding first level courts.

Work was also suspended for courts in Biliran, specifically RTC Branch 16, Municipal Trial Courts (MTC) Naval and Maripipi and two Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) districts.

Courts in Antique – RTC Branch 13 of Culasi and two MCTC districts – and Aklan, all courts under RTC Kalibo, were also included.

 

The work suspension extended to parts of Mindanao and Southern Luzon, where in Surigao del Norte, all trial courts in Siargao Island were suspended, along with specific RTC Branches 29 and 30 and MTC of Mainit and MCTCs.

All first and second level courts in Dinagat Islands were likewise suspended for the full day yesterday.

In Agusan del Norte, all courts under the administrative jurisdiction of RTC Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City were suspended starting at noon.

In Sorsogon, located in the Bicol region of Southern Luzon, all courts in the Bulwagan Katarungan in Sorsogon City were suspended starting noon, along with first level courts within its administrative jurisdiction.

The courts under the administrative supervision of RTC Bais City in Negros Oriental were also suspended yesterday.

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Flights canceled

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced the cancellations of some 36 flights to and from Siargao Airport, Cebu and Tacloban due to inclement weather in the area.

Sunlight Air cancelled four flights, while CEBGO cancelled 10 flights to and from Siargao. Philippine Airlines cancelled 16 flights to and from Siargao, Cebu and Tacloban.

AirAsia Philippines cancelled six flights from Manila to Tacloban and Caticlan and vice versa.

All 42 airports under CAAP were placed under heightened alert status.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) went on alert yesterday and activated its Deployable Response Groups (DRGs) for possible conduct of search and rescue (SAR) missions.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said in a statement that all their DRG personnel have been placed on alert. Their rescue equipment, land vehicles and floating assets have also been prepositioned and ready for rapid deployment.

Coast Guard districts in Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Southwestern Mindanao have also been in constant coordination with their respective LGUs and concerned agencies.

 

“A total of 3,103 passengers, drivers and cargo helpers, 1,203 rolling cargoes and 61 vessels remain stranded in various ports,” PCG said.

There were also 530 vessels and 389 motorized boats that have taken shelter as a precautionary measure against the effects of the typhoon.

Army, Red Cross

The Philippine Army mobilized its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams as Typhoon Tino moved closer toward Eastern Visayas yesterday.

Army major units in the Visayas, Southern Luzon, Bicol Region and Metro Manila mobilized 417 HADR teams composed of 4,376 officers, enlisted personnel, CAA members and reservists for deployment.

 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has placed all its Cebu chapters on full alert. Those in potentially affected areas have been instructed to undertake precautionary measures, mobilize their volunteers and ensure that all emergency response assets are on standby for immediate deployment.
For emergencies and urgent assistance, the PRC advised the public to dial 143.

Churches as temporary shelters

Meanwhile, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy yesterday announced that churches under the Archdiocese of Cebu could be used as temporary shelter by those affected by the typhoon.

In his Facebook account, Uy yesterday announced that he had already given instructions to their priests to accommodate people, such as those who might have been forced to evacuate because of heavy flooding. — Daphne Galvez, Mark Ernest Villeza, Rainier Allan Ronda, Gilbert Bayoran, Rudy Santos, Evelyn Macairan, Pia Lee-Brago, Gerry Lee Gorit, Ric Obedencio, Rhodina Villanueva, Miriam Desacada