WATERSPOUT SPOTTED OVER MACTAN STRAIT; CEBU AUTHORITIES URGE VIGILANCE

Residents along the coastal areas of Mactan Island were startled early Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, when a large waterspout—locally known as an "ipo-ipo" or "buhawe"—formed over the waters of the Mactan Strait.

The weather phenomenon, captured in numerous photos and videos by residents, became highly visible at around 8:00 AM. Sightings were heavily reported by residents in Barangay Pusok, Barangay Ibo, and Barangay Basak in Lapu-Lapu City.

According to the local reports, the water-based vortex generated estimated wind speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. The column of spinning air and water loomed over the strait for several minutes, drawing both awe and concern from onlookers on the bridge and nearby coastal communities.

Driven by Regional Trough

The weather disruption is tied to a prevailing Low Pressure Area (LPA) trough affecting the Visayas region. The system has brought sudden overcast skies, heavy downpours, and severe thunderstorms across Metro Cebu since the early hours of the morning.

Meteorologists note that while waterspouts look like land-based tornadoes, they are intensely localized columns of rotating air that develop over water bodies during highly unstable atmospheric conditions.

No Immediate Casualties

The Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and local volunteer groups, including Buhay Volunteer Cebu, immediately monitored the situation. Authorities confirmed that the waterspout stayed primarily over the sea channel and dissipated before moving inland.

As of press time, no maritime accidents, casualties, or significant property damage have been reported.

However, disaster response officials have warned fisherfolk and small sea craft operators to delay deployment until weather conditions stabilize. Coastal communities are urged to remain vigilant as localized thunderstorms capable of triggering sudden winds and heavy rains are expected to persist throughout the weekend.