Cebu Archdiocese opens churches as shelters for typhoon victims

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has directed all parishes in the Archdiocese of Cebu to open their structurally sound churches as temporary shelters for those affected by Typhoon Tino, excluding those damaged by a recent earthquake.

Typhoon Tino, internationally known as Kalmaegi, is maintaining its strength and moving westward over the Philippine Sea.

PAGASA's 5 p.m. weather bulletin indicates Signal No. 4 is hoisted in 8 areas as Typhoon Tino slightly intensifies while drawing near Eastern Visayas in the Caraga area.

The typhoon was located 170 km east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h and gusts of up to 160 km/h, moving westward at 20 km/h.

Authorities urge residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders and seek safer grounds, with local government units coordinating emergency responses.