In Southern Leyte, a rumored tidal wave prompted millions of Filipinos to leave their homes and they headed to evacuation centers to seek refuge. News outlets reported that trees in the coastal areas have fallen due to the powerful winds.
The rise of the seawater was confirmed by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The national weather agency reported that the category-five super typhoon Yolanda whipped up giant waves as high as 4-5 metres (12-15 feet) that lashed the islands of Leyte and Samar, and was on track to carve a path through popular holiday destinations. Millions of Filipinos in nearby islands were forced by the local government to take refuge in storm shelters. Evacuation centers such as grade schools and other government buildings are reportedly packed with evacuees. In addition to the evacuation assistance by the local government organizations, authorities also prohibited ferry services and fishing boats to operate while nearly 200 local flights had been suspended. Commuter bus services were also stopped as the tropical storm poured heavy rain and ripped galvanized iron roofs off buildings and houses.
Moreover, an estimated 2.5 million people living in the Philippines' second-largest city Cebu will experience the powerful winds and heavy rains caused by typhoon Yolanda. But according to reports, the Queen City of the South has already set safety measures and emergency disaster response teams are ready to take actions whenever needed.
Here's the full update from PAGASA as of 10a.m.
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Typhoon "YOLANDA" has made third landfall over Daang Bantayan, Cebu.
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| Location of Center: (as of 10:00 a.m.) | over Daang Bantayan, Cebu |
|---|---|
| Coordinates: | 11.28°N, 124.1°E |
| Strength: | Maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 250 kph |
| Movement: | Forecast to move West Northwest at 40 kph |
| Forecast Positions/Outlook: |
Saturday morning: 245 km West of Ambulong, Batangas Saturday afternoon: 743 km West of Subic, Zambales or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) |
| Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| PSWS # | Luzon | Visayas | Mindanao |
| Signal No. 4 ( >185 kph winds may be expected in at least 12 hours) | Southern Occidental Mindoro Southern Oriental Mindoro Romblon Calamian Group of Island Masbate | Northern Cebu Cebu City Bantayan Island Northern Negros Occidental Aklan Capiz Antique Iloilo Guimaras | None |
| Signal No.3 (Winds of >100 to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours) | Rest of Occidental Mindoro Rest of Oriental Mindoro Burias Island Sorsogon Marinduque Ticao Island Northern Palawan Puerto Princesa City | Northern Samar Eastern Samar Samar Leyte Southern Leyte Bohol Rest of Cebu Negros Oriental Rest of Negros Occidental Camotes Island Biliran Province | Dinagat Province |
| Signal No. 2 (winds of >60 to 100 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours) | Bataan Metro Manila Rizal Cavite Laguna Batangas Southern Quezon Camarines Sur Lubang Island Rest of Palawan Albay | Siquijor | Surigao del Norte Siargao Camiguin |
| Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds may be expected in at least 36 hours) | Pampanga Zambales Bulacan Camarines Norte Rest of Quezon Polilio Island Catanduanes | None | Surigao del Sur Misamis Oriental Agusan del Norte |
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Public Warning Signal #1 elsewhere are now lowered.
"YOLANDA", after hitting Guiuan ( Eastern Samar) and Tolosa, Leyte, is now in the vicinity of Northern tip of Cebu and will traverse Visayan Sea and will hit Panay Island between 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm then will pass in the Southern part of Mindoro then Busuanga and will exit the Philippine landmass this evening towards the West Philippine Sea. Estimated rainfall amount is from 10.0 - 20.0 mm per hour (Heavy - Intense) within the 400 km diameter out of 600 km diameter of the Typhoon. Sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and over the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon. Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signal #4, #3 and #2 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas under the aforementioned signal #4, #3 and #2 are alerted against storm surges which may reach up to 7-meter wave height. The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today. |
