WINDS THAT RETURN
From Saga Sphere
Al Info
“Winds That Return: Understanding Typhoon Tino (2025) in Comparison to Typhoon Odette (2021) in Cebu”
Disclaimer: This description is for awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to spread fear, panic, or misinformation. Weather conditions can change and official information must always be verified through PAGASA and local authorities.
Introduction
The Philippines is no stranger to strong tropical cyclones. Our islands lie along the Pacific typhoon belt, which means at least 20 named storms visit our region every year, and some of them leave behind unforgettable scars. Two such storms that became major points of remembrance for Cebu and the Visayas are Typhoon Odette (international name Rai) in December 2021 and the more recent Typhoon Tino, which struck in late October to early November 2025.
Even though both affected Cebu, each storm had a different personality: different paths, wind intensity, rainfall behavior, and different lessons. Understanding these differences is important not only for historical awareness, but also for preparing better responses to future typhoons.
Context: Cebu’s Vulnerability
Cebu is centrally located in the Philippines, surrounded by the sea, and has a dense population. It is an economic center, which means damage there affects not only local residents but businesses, transportation, food supply, and trade across the Visayas. Typhoons that hit Cebu often become national concerns.
Typhoon Odette (2021): Sudden Strength, Widespread Destruction
Typhoon Odette entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility in mid-December 2021. At first, forecasts suggested moderate intensity, but Odette intensified rapidly over warm ocean waters—reaching Category 5 Super Typhoon status before landfall.
Peak Winds: Approximately 195–215 km/h (signal no. 4 declared in many areas).
Path: Entered Eastern Visayas, passed through Bohol and Cebu, continuing to Palawan.
Cebu Impact: Power lines collapsed, communication towers fell, homes were destroyed, and water supply systems were damaged. Many communities were without electricity and clean water for weeks, even months.
People remember Odette for:
Sudden intensification
Very strong winds
Long recovery period
Emotional trauma tied to Christmas season disruption
Odette left a heavy psychological mark because Cebu rarely experienced that level of destruction in recent decades.
Typhoon Tino (2025): Wide Coverage, Prolonged Rainfall, and Uncertainty
Typhoon Tino arrived four years later, when Cebu was still in the process of strengthening disaster response strategies learned from Odette. Tino was closely monitored because of:
Its large circulation
Slow movement over the Visayas
High rainfall volume
Strong gusts, though generally slightly lower sustained winds compared to Odette
Peak Winds: Estimated around 140–165 km/h.
Primary Threat: Flooding and long-duration rains, landslides, and storm surges in coastal zones.
Communities, especially in northern Cebu, midland highlands, and river-adjacent barangays, experienced:
Flooded homes
Evacuation at night (which adds to mental strain)
Loss of crops and fishing equipment
Temporary disruption in transportation and commerce
One of the striking features of Typhoon Tino was the psychological trigger it brought, reminding many of Odette. Even if wind strength was lower, the fear of another large-scale disaster made many residents more anxious and alert.
Comparative Breakdown: Odette vs. Tino
Factor Typhoon Odette (2021) Typhoon Tino (2025)
Primary Strength Extremely strong winds Heavy prolonged rainfall, strong gusts
Path Direct landfall through Cebu Passed closer to Cebu region with broad coverage
Impact Type Structural damage, power collapse Flooding, landslides, coastal surge
Disaster Memory Long recovery, holiday season trauma Revival of past trauma, heightened preparedness
Response Confidence More reactive than prepared More anticipatory due to Odette experience
While Odette broke infrastructure, Tino tested emotional and community resilience.
Community Behavior and Preparedness
After Odette, many Cebuano families:
Strengthened roofs
Stored emergency food and water supplies
Became active in early evacuation
Followed PAGASA updates more carefully
So when Tino approached, Cebu was more alert:
Many evacuated earlier
More communities listened to warnings
Local governments prepared relief centers sooner
This shows progress. The memory of pain became the root of preparedness.
Scientific Lesson: Climate Change and the New Normal
Warm ocean temperatures are one of the main drivers of stronger typhoons. Both Odette and Tino showed:
Rapid intensification is becoming more common
Storms travel unexpected patterns
Rainfall volume is increasing
This means:
Cebu and the rest of the Philippines must adapt.
Infrastructure must improve.
Communities must maintain strong disaster awareness culture.
Human Story: Resilience of the Cebuano People
Despite everything:
Neighbors shared water and food.
Youth volunteers cleared debris.
Churches and community centers opened doors.
Bayanihan resurfaced.
What makes Cebu strong is not the absence of storms—but the spirit to rise after every one.
Conclusion
Typhoon Tino may not have matched the catastrophic winds of Odette, but it reopened emotional scars and reminded Cebu that preparedness is not a one-time effort—it is a continuous commitment. Studying these storms is more than remembering damage; it is a way to protect future generations.
The story of Cebu is not about being defeated—it is about learning, adapting, and standing up stronger each time.
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