By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Typhoon Paolo, which is not expected to strike the Philippines, has, however, caused the cancellation of ferry trips throughout the Visayas, including Negros.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Paolo was last seen 945 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 145 kph.

Conditions compelled the weather bureau to issue a gale warning for Negros, Panay, and Guimaras, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Bacolod City to stop fastcraft vessels headed towards Iloilo City.

However, roll-on/roll-off (Roro) vessels heading to Dumangas port were still allowed to proceed.

PCG officials said they will only allow fastcraft vessels to resume trips once PAGASA lifts the gale warning.

Meanwhile, several areas of southern Negros were evacuated yesterday due to flooding caused by heavy rains from Typhoon Paolo.

Ilog Mayor Genaro Alvarez ordered the suspension of classes in the municipality, while Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco advised city residents to monitor the weather.

He has also ordered the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) to prepare for the possible evacuation of areas prone to flooding./DGB, WDJ