Effects of ‘Kristine’ felt in Cebu; man found dead off Camotes

Local

CLASSES in all levels in both public and private schools in various areas in Cebu were suspended on Wednesday, October 23, due to the effects of Tropical Storm Kristine.

Cebu City Acting Mayor Donaldo "Dondon" Hontiveros issued an Executive Order (EO) on Tuesday, October 22. The EO encourages schools to adopt alternative modes of instruction, such as online learning or modular materials, to maintain educational continuity during the suspension.

Similar actions were taken by 40 local government units (LGUs) across Cebu, including the chartered cities of Mandaue, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Naga, Talisay, and Toledo, all aimed at protecting students from potential risks associated with heavy rains and flooding.

On Wednesday morning, Engr. Al Quiblat of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas reported that Tropical Storm Kristine is expected to make landfall near Isabela or Aurora on the night of October 23 or early morning of October 24.

He added that if the storm makes landfall, it may exit the Philippines by Friday.

Kristine is currently classified as a Tropical Storm, with recent observations placing it near Baler, Aurora, and wind speeds reaching 85 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 105 kilometers per hour.

Signal No. 1 has been raised in several parts of Cebu, particularly in northern and central areas, including Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, Bogo City, Tabogon, and Naga City.

This also includes Lapu-Lapu City, Carcar City, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, and Talisay City, as well as Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

Quiblat cautioned the public to remain vigilant for strong winds and rain, as Tropical Storm Kristine could generate significant wind strength across the Visayas due to its large size.

While the storm is forecasted to intensify, it is not expected to make direct landfall in Cebu. However, PAGASA warned that Cebu could still experience significant rainfall and thunderstorms.

Municipalities including Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Badian, Balamban, and Talisay also suspended classes, with Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas noting that decisions regarding private schools will be left to their respective administrations.

In addition to class cancellations, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended maritime operations in affected areas due to Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal warnings.

Meanwhile, the body of a man was found floating off PIlar town, Camotes Island, Cebu.

The fatality was identified as Rodolfo Villar, who had gone missing after the motorbanca that he and two companions rode on capsized on Tuesday, October 22.

Villar’s companions, Jesse Añasco and Junex Lanogan, were rescued last Tuesday. The three left from Ormoc City and sailed for Camotes when they met the accident.(MyTVCebu)