The Philippine Coast Guard suspended travel between Iloilo-Bacolod, and Escalante and San Carlos City to Cebu today, June 1, after PAG-ASA placed northern Negros under Signal No.1 because of Tropical Storm “Dante”.
Capt. Ludovico Librilla, Coast Guard-Negros Occidental provincial chief, said all fast crafts, as well as Roll-on Roll-off ferry services have been suspended until further notice, after Bacolod City and Dumangas in Iloilo were placed under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.1.
Librilla said that the suspension of sea travel also includes fastcraft and RoRo vessels plying the Escalante and San Carlos ports in Negros Occidental to Cebu island.
According to PAGASA, TS Dante has a maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour, and gustiness of up to 90 kp/h.
Signal Number 1 has been raised in the northern portion of Negros Occidental, including San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Talisay City, Silay City, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Murcia and Bacolod City.
PAGASA reported that strong winds may prevail, or expected within 36 hours.
It added that the tropical storm is being forecasted to maintain its strength prior to landfall. But PAGASA that “Dante” may weaken into a tropical depression on Friday and to Low Pressure Area on Saturday.
The state weather bureau also advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.
Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials, it said. – GB
