The Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Occidental said that sea travel has resumed, as of 5 p.m. Dec. 18, following the lifting of the tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) in the Visayas and other parts of the country after “Kabayan” weakened into a remnant low.
The PCG earlier suspended sea trips to Iloilo via Bredco Port in Bacolod City, Dumangas via Bredco Port and Banago Port in Bacolod, Bantayan via Cadiz City, Tabuelan, Cebu via Sagay City and Escalante City, Toledo City, Cebu via San Carlos City, Bay-Ang Port Ajuy via Mantaangan Port in E.B. Magalona, and Sibunag Port Guimaras via Pulupandan Port in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.
Data showed that in Bacolod City, 586 passengers have been stranded; San Carlos City, 186; Escalante City, 153; and Sagay City, 43.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, chief of Coast Guard Station-Northern Negros Occidental, said there has been a slight increase in the number of passengers as the Yuletide season starts.
“It is with regret that we have to cancel the trips. To the passengers affected by the bad weather, they can seek shelter in the facility of the Philippine Ports Authority and the local government units also provide centers for them to stay in. They can approach the PCG units and the PPA personnel,” Mercurio said in an earlier interview.
Classes in all levels have been suspended in Bacolod City, starting at 11 a.m. Dec. 18, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted TCWS No. 1 all over Negros Occidental due to “Kabayan”.
In San Carlos City, Mayor Renato Gustilo posted an advisory Sunday that in-person classes in all levels Dec. 18 were suspended.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said there was no wind signals currently in effect, although it stressed that forecast rainfall is generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. “Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days.”
The surge of the northeast monsoon will also bring gusty conditions for the next two days, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds, the weather bureau added. | CGC, PNA
