Philippines on High Alert as Typhoon Tino Strengthens
The Philippines is once again bracing for impact as Tropical Cyclone Tino, locally known as Kalmaegi, gathers strength to the east of the country. Over the weekend, this weather system developed rapidly, prompting nationwide alerts and precautionary evacuations in several coastal and low-lying areas. If it maintains its current trajectory, Tino will officially become the 20th tropical cyclone to affect the Philippines this year—a grim reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
According to local weather authorities, Tino entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Sunday, packing sustained winds of around 52 miles per hour (84 km/h) and gusts reaching up to 65 mph. Forecasts suggest that the storm will intensify into a full-fledged typhoon within 24 hours and could make landfall over the Caraga or Eastern Visayas region by early Tuesday morning. Communities in these areas have already begun preparations, with residents advised to stay indoors or move to evacuation centers.
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Heavy rainfall is expected as Tino interacts with the northeast monsoon, potentially dumping 50 to 100 millimeters of rain across the eastern provinces. This combination could trigger flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous and coastal areas. Strong winds and relentless downpours are also likely to lash parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Authorities have taken no chances—schools and offices have been closed, and sea travel has been suspended in Surigao del Norte and nearby islands due to dangerously rough seas.
Emergency teams are already on standby, and local officials have urged residents to heed warnings and move to safer ground if necessary. As in many previous storms, the government’s disaster risk agencies have been mobilized to provide relief supplies and monitor flood-prone zones closely.
Once it crosses the Philippine archipelago, Typhoon Tino is expected to weaken slightly before re-emerging over the West Philippine Sea, where it will continue its westward journey toward Vietnam later in the week.
Meanwhile, on a separate front, southeastern Queensland in Australia faced its own weather chaos. Over the weekend, a powerful supercell storm unleashed massive hailstones—some as large as tennis balls—causing widespread damage. Cars were dented, roofs punctured, and windows shattered, while power lines were knocked down by strong winds and falling trees. The same weather system later brought heavy rainfall to Sydney, adding to regional disruption.
As the Pacific and surrounding regions continue to experience turbulent weather, meteorologists warn that more storms could follow in the coming weeks. For the Philippines, the focus now remains on Tino—its strength, its path, and the hope that communities in its way remain safe as the 20th cyclone of the year bears down.
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