Typhoon Tino maintains strength; Signal 4 raised

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

- By GHIO ONG

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard shows residents of Guiuan, Eastern Samar being evacuated yesterday ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Tino. Top inset shows people lining up to purchase essential supplies at a grocery in Cebu City. Lower inset shows an enhanced infrared image of Tino at the Pagasa head office in Quezon City.

(APP: FREEMAN, MIGUEL DE GUZMAN)

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.

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.