Typhoon Kalmaegi brings ‘life-threatening’ conditions to central Philippines
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Coast guard personnel assist in evacuating residents along coastal areas of San Julian in central Philippines on Nov 3.
PHOTO: AFP
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MANILA - Typhoon Kalmaegi intensified as it made landfall in the central Philippines on Nov 4, with the state weather bureau warning of “life-threatening” conditions as it placed large parts of the Visayas region under the second-highest storm warning.
With sustained winds of 150kmh and gusts of up to 205kmh, Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, is forecast to move across the Visayas and emerge over the South China Sea by Nov 5.
Weather agency Pagasa said the combined effects of Kalmaegi and a shear line – a weather phenomenon that occurs when cold and warm winds converge – brought heavy rains and strong winds over the Visayas island group and nearby areas.
“Due to interaction with the terrain, Tino may slightly weaken while crossing Visayas. However, it is expected to remain at typhoon intensity throughout its passage over the country,” Pagasa said in a morning bulletin.
More than 160 flights to and from affected areas have been cancelled, while those at sea were advised to head to the nearest safe harbour immediately and to stay in port.
In Southern Leyte, disaster officials evacuated residents from low-lying and coastal areas, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
Pagasa warned of a high risk of “life-threatening and damaging storm surges” that could reach over 3m high along coastal and low-lying communities in central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao.
Kalmaegi comes as the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms each year, is recovering from a run of disasters, including earthquakes and severe weather events in recent months.
In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa swept across northern Luzon, forcing government work and classes to shut down as it brought fierce winds and torrential rain. REUTERS
