Sea travel and classes in Surigao del Norte—including Siargao Island and Dinagat Islands—were suspended on Thursday afternoon after Tropical Depression Wilma triggered Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over parts of the region.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wilma maintains its strength while moving southwestward over the Philippine Sea.
PAGASA located Wilma’s center 155 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness of 60 kph while moving southwestward at 15 kph.
The weather bureau warned of possible flooding and landslides—especially in areas hit by recent heavy rains—as Wilma continues to enhance the northeast monsoon.
The Coast Guard stations in Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands earlier ordered the temporary suspension of voyages for all types of vessels and watercraft due to hazardous sea conditions.
TCWS No. 1 remains hoisted over the northern portion of Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza) and several towns in Agusan del Norte (Kitcharao, Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay, Cabadbaran City, Remedios T. Romualdez, Magallanes).
The Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) also authorized local governments to impose localized or granular class suspensions depending on evolving weather conditions.
“All response units are ordered to be on heightened monitoring, and residents must remain vigilant and follow official channels for updates,” the PDRRMC said.
In Dinagat Islands, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. reaffirmed the use of existing public safety and interoperability protocols to prepare for possible impacts from Wilma.
The province likewise activated its emergency operations centers under Blue Alert status, with response clusters directed to operate 24/7 until the weather threat passes.
Local chief executives were also given authority to suspend classes in their respective municipalities as needed.