As the Philippines braces for the festive season, Tropical Depression Romina threatens to disrupt holiday preparations with heavy rains and strong winds. As of December 22, 2024, Romina remained outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but its impact was already being felt in parts of Palawan and nearby areas.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of 5 PM, Romina was located 125 kilometers west of Kalayaan Islands, moving northward at 10 kilometers per hour (kph) with sustained winds of 45 kph and gustiness reaching 55 kph. Although relatively weak compared to stronger storms, Romina’s proximity and interaction with the shear line have amplified its effects.

Signal No. 1 was raised over Kalayaan Islands and parts of Balabac, Palawan, indicating potential wind damage to light structures and agricultural crops. Local officials in Palawan have initiated preemptive measures, urging residents in low-lying and coastal areas to evacuate. Fisherfolk and small seacraft have been advised to avoid venturing into the seas, as waves of up to 3.1 meters are expected in the region.

Heavy rainfall has already lashed parts of southern Palawan, causing minor flooding in Balabac and nearby towns. Infrastructures like roads and bridges remain passable, but residents have been warned to remain vigilant as the threat of landslides looms in upland areas.

The storm’s intensification is compounded by the shear line—a weather system that enhances rainfall along its path. PAGASA warned that scattered to widespread rains will likely persist over Palawan, the western section of Visayas, and portions of Mindoro until December 24. Such conditions pose risks to travel, agriculture, and holiday festivities across the region.

Despite being outside PAR, Romina’s indirect effects highlight the challenges of extreme weather events increasingly observed during the Christmas season. This aligns with a worrying trend linked to climate change, where weather patterns have become less predictable and more destructive.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed emergency response units on standby. Authorities continue to disseminate timely information, urging communities to stay updated on the latest weather bulletins. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned relief goods in affected areas, preparing for possible displacement scenarios.

As the Kalayaan Islands and other parts of Palawan face the brunt of Romina’s influence, residents remain hopeful for clearer skies in time for Christmas. For now, however, preparedness and caution are paramount as the region braces for Romina’s lingering impact.