Storm surge warning raised in Siargao, Dinagat islands

General Luna government workers segregate instant noodles to be delivered to Typhoon Tino evacuees. PHOTO COURTESY OF GENERAL LUNA LGU

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Authorities in Siargao, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands have ordered the forced evacuation of residents along coastal and flood-prone communities after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned that storm surges exceeding three meters high would hit the coastal areas within 48 hours as Typhoon Tino makes its landfall.

As of 8 a.m. on Monday, the state weather bureau warned that storm surges exceeding three meters may hit coastal areas in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, and the Dinagat Islands within the next 48 hours.

Pagasa said these areas would be at high risk of inundation due to the combined effects of strong winds and intense rainfall.

READ: High storm surge risk in many coastal areas in PH due to Tino-Pagasa

General Luna town councilor Bingle Silvosa called on residents to comply with the advisories in a post on her social media account.

According to General Luna’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), local disaster teams have begun mandatory evacuations in low-lying and coastal villages of Siargao Island.

Town officials advised residents to move to designated safe shelters as all fishing, sea travel, and tourism activities—including island-hopping and surfing—were all suspended until further notice.

Authorities reminded residents to prepare Go Bags containing essential items such as food, water, medicines, flashlights, clothes, hygiene kits, and important documents. The public was also urged to secure homes, livestock, and belongings, and to stay away from riverbanks, coastal zones, and steep slopes vulnerable to landslides or flooding.

Tourists staying in beachfront or light-material lodgings were advised to relocate to inland evacuation centers, which can be verified through the official MDRRMO–General Luna Facebook page and local tourism offices.

Officials urged the public to stay tuned for updates from DOST-PAGASA, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office–General Luna, and other official government pages as Tino continues to move across the Caraga Region./coa