The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a warning on Monday that Typhoon Tino may cause life-threatening storm surges within the next 48 hours, putting low-lying coastal communities at high risk.
In its 8 a.m. weather advisory, PAGASA said the typhoon continues to gain strength as it moves across the country, potentially pushing sea levels higher and producing powerful waves that could flood coastal towns.
According to the agency, storm surges of over three meters are possible in the Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Western Samar, and Surigao del Norte.
Meanwhile, up to three-meter surges could occur in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Surigao del Norte, while two-meter surges are expected in Agusan del Norte, Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Masbate, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.
Other areas that could experience similar surge levels include Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Western Samar, Siquijor, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
PAGASA urged residents in coastal and beachfront zones to evacuate to higher ground, suspend marine activities, and stay alert for official advisories from both national and local disaster agencies.
“The public and the disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and precautionary measures,” PAGASA said.
The weather bureau continues to monitor Typhoon Tino’s movement closely, emphasizing that even moderate winds combined with high tides could cause dangerous flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure.