• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration issued Nov. 2 a storm surge warning over Bacolod City and the rest of Negros Island Region, as well as several areas in Visayas and Mindanao as “Tino” intensified into severe tropical storm (STS).
A high risk of storm surge may occur in the next 48 hours, with a possibility of inundation from rising sea water, along with high waves, in low-lying coastal communities, the weather bureau said in its 8 p.m. advisory.
It added that an estimated storm surge of one to two meters could occur in coastal areas of Bacolod, Bago, Binalbagan, Cadiz, Calatrava, Cauayan, Escalante, Himamaylan, Sipalay, Talisay, Victorias, E.B. Magalona, Hinigaran, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Manapla, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Sagay, San Carlos, San Enrique, Silay, Toboso, Valladolid, and Kabankalan.
In Negros Oriental, storm surge could also occur in the coastal areas of Amlan, Ayungon, Bacong, Bais, Basay, Bindoy, Bayawan, Guihulngan, Tanjay, Dauin, Dumaguete, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Manjuyod, San Jose, Santa Catalina, Sibulan, Tayasan, Vallehermoso, and Zamboanguita; as well as in Siquijor, Agusan del Norte, Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Masbate, Misamis Oriental, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Samar, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur.
An estimated storm surge of more than three meters could occur in Eastern Samar, and 2.1-3 meters height in Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Surigao Del Norte that have all been placed under Signal No. 1, together with Biliran, Southern Leyte, and Camotes Islands due to TST “Tino”.
Residents in these coastal areas should stay away from the coast or beach, or move to higher grounds away from storm surge-prone places, the DOST-PAGASA said, adding that all marine activities should also be cancelled.
As of 5 p.m. Nov. 2, the center of “Tino” was estimated, based on all available data, at 805km east of Eastern Visayas, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 115 km/h, and central pressure of 990 hPa.
Strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 240 km from the center. “Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels, and all mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor as soon as possible until winds and waves subside.”
“Tino” is forecast to continuously intensify and may reach typhoon category within the next 24 hours, with possible rapid intensification, the weather bureau said. “The possibility of reaching a super typhoon category is not ruled out, based on alternate scenarios and climatological data.” | CGC
