Misamis Oriental braces for Typhoon Tino

Heavy rains hit upland villages in Cagayan de Oro ahead of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) landfall. PHOTO BY CONG B. CORRALES

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Local officials across Misamis Oriental and this city are moving quickly to safeguard residents and suspend activities as Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) barrels toward the country, expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar on Monday.

In Gingoog City, Mayor Erick G. Cañosa ordered the immediate preemptive evacuation of all residents living near riverbanks and in landslide-prone areas, anticipating severe flooding and ground instability from the typhoon.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Tino

The mayor personally delivered the directive to Matlon Pajo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), during his visit to the city’s Emergency Response Center Monday morning.

“We are currently at the 24/7 Emergency Response Center and are currently directing CDRRM Officer Pajo to implement a preemptive evacuation of low-lying areas in preparation for the threat posed by Severe Tropical Storm Tino,” Cañosa said.

Since Gingoog has been known as one of the most vulnerable areas in eastern Misamis Oriental, Cañosa appealed to the community to cooperate fully in carrying out the evacuation for public safety.

Classes for all levels of public and private schools in Misamis Oriental were suspended on Monday, Nov. 3, and Tuesday, Nov. 4, when Tino is expected to make its landfall.

The widespread class suspensions were announced on Sunday by local chief executives, effectively extending the school break that followed the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

Municipalities implementing the suspension include the city of Gingoog and the towns of Balingoan, Binuangan, Balingasag, Sugbongcogon, Lagonglong, Tagoloan, Kinoguitan, Medina, Talisayan, Magsaysay, Jasaan, Claveria, Manticao and Opol.

In Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Rolando Uy is also scheduled to announce the suspension of all face-to-face classes at all levels starting this afternoon and continuing through Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Weather warning, alert status

The suspensions were issued after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecast heavy rain and flooding for the entire region.

Pagasa reported that as of 3 am today, Severe Tropical Storm Tino was estimated 440 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph). The weather bureau warned that watercourses in Camiguin and Misamis Oriental, particularly in the Tagoloan and Iponan barangays, are likely to be affected by the heavy rainfall.

Misamis Oriental is currently under a yellow alert status, signifying potential danger. Authorities have advised residents in alert areas to stay away from the coast and cancel all marine activities.

Liga ng mga Barangay President Marlo L. Tabac used social media to personally urge residents in coastal areas to remain on high alert and prepare for the potential effects of the storm. /jpv