CLASSES were suspended across Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Misamis Oriental on Monday as Severe Tropical Storm Tino (international name Kalmaegi) barreled toward Northern Mindanao and the Visayas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hoisted Signal No. 3 for Dinagat Island, Siargao, and Bucas Grande islands in its 9 a.m. weather advisory.
Tino, the 20th cyclone to hit the country this year, was sighted packing 110 kilometers per hour (kph) winds at its center and moving at 25 kph in a south-southwest direction.
Pagasa forecasts that the storm is expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar, Dinagat Island, or Bucas Grande either Monday afternoon or evening.
In preparation for the severe weather, the Philippine Coast Guard in Surigao del Norte suspended all voyages for all types of vessels late Sunday night. The suspension covers travel from Surigao City to Southern Leyte, Dinagat, Siargao, and Bucas Grande, following Pagasa's initial hoisting of Signal No. 1 for those areas.
Local governments in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte ordered the suspension of both work and classes at all levels starting Monday morning, advising all residents to take necessary precautions.
In the municipality of General Luna, Surigao del Norte, the local Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office published a list of designated evacuation centers on its social media page.
In Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Rolando Uy also suspended all face-to-face classes at all levels, effective Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile in Gingoog City, classes were suspended at all levels for both public and private schools in Gingoog City and the neighboring towns of Medina and Talisayan in eastern Misamis Oriental for two days, Nov. 3 and 4.
The preemptive measure was announced due to the threat posed by Severe Tropical Storm Tino, which is expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar either today or tomorrow.
Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa issued the advisory through the city's official Facebook page, emphasizing the two-day cancellation of classes for all public and private students.
“Classes in both public and private schools in all level are suspended, due to the threat of Tropical Storm Tino,” Mayor Cañosa said in a statement.
Even if Tino makes landfall in Eastern Samar, the storm is still expected to bring significant rain and wind to the eastern part of Misamis Oriental, particularly the flood and landslide-prone areas of Gingoog, Medina, and Talisayan.
Mayor Cañosa urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared, and to monitor official announcements to ensure their safety and well-being.
Talisayan Mayor Ciriaco Talines issued a similar warning, calling on everyone in his town to be prepared at all times. Medina town also posted its advisory and warning through its official Facebook page. (With reports from Edwin Iyo)
