Classes suspended, trips halted as Signal No. 2 hoisted over south Cebu

Local

SOUTHERN Cebu is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 as Tropical Storm Basyang intensifies and tracks toward the Visayas.

The alert has triggered class suspensions, sea travel bans, and ramped-up disaster preparedness provincewide.

In its 2 p.m. bulletin Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Basyang was located 230 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph, while moving westward at 25 kph.

Areas under Signal No. 2

Pagasa said gale-force winds with speeds ranging from 62 to 88 kph may be experienced within the next 24 hours in the southern portion of Cebu, including:

Samboan, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Ginatilan, Alegria, Dalaguete, Boljoon, Alcoy, Santander, Argao, Badian, and Moalboal.

The weather bureau warned of a minor to moderate threat to life and property, particularly in coastal, upland, and mountainous areas exposed to strong winds.

The rest of Cebu remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, where strong winds of 39 to 61 kph are expected within 36 hours.

Expected impacts

Pagasa said Basyang’s wide circulation, enhanced by the northeast monsoon, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong to gale-force gusts, and rough to very rough seas across Central Visayas, including Cebu.

A minimal to moderate risk of coastal flooding, with storm surge heights of up to 2 meters, is possible within the next 48 hours in low-lying and exposed coastal communities in Cebu.

The agency also warned that hazardous weather conditions may still be felt in areas outside the storm’s projected track.

Sea travel suspended, passengers stranded

As of Thursday noon, at least 632 passengers were stranded in ports across Central Visayas due to suspended sea travel, according to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV).

CGDCV reported that 77 vessels and 26 motor bancas are currently sheltering, while 409 rolling cargoes, 55 vessels, and one motor banca remain stranded as adverse sea conditions persist under Wind Signals Nos. 1 and 2.

A gale warning remains in effect over the eastern seaboard of the Visayas, with PAGASA advising all mariners to remain in port until sea conditions improve.

Classes suspended across Cebu.

In response to the storm threat, face-to-face classes across the entire island province of Cebu were suspended on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Acting Governor Glenn Anthony Soco issued Executive Order No. 5, ordering the suspension of in-person classes at all levels in both public and private schools to allow students and teachers to prepare for the storm.

“The national weather bureau has advised disaster risk reduction offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property, as rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas,” Soco said.

Storm track

Pagasa said Basyang is expected to make initial landfall over Surigao del Sur late Thursday or early Friday, cross parts of Mindanao, and emerge over the Bohol Sea by Friday morning, Feb. 6.

The storm may pass close to or make landfall over Siquijor and southern Negros Oriental before moving toward the Sulu Sea and traversing northern Palawan by Saturday.

The cyclone may further intensify before landfall but is expected to weaken gradually as it interacts with land, Pagasa said.

Authorities urged residents, particularly those in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to remain alert, follow evacuation advisories if necessary, and monitor official weather updates as conditions continue to evolve.(TGP)