Over 400 stranded at Western Visayas ports

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With Tropical Depression Samuel suspending sea travel in the Western Visayas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported 429 people are currently stranded at ports across the region.

PCG-Western Visayas spokesperson, Commander Ramil Palabrica, said affected ports include those located in Bacolod City, San Carlos City, Iloilo City, and Caticlan.

While some passengers have decided to stay at the terminals in anticipation of trips resuming, many changed direction and headed to other parts of the country, including Palawan, Mindoro, Cebu, and Manila.

The PCG spokesperson pointed out sea travel was suspended in order to prevent any untoward incident, along with keeping passengers and cargo safe.

He added, trips will resume once the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration lifts the storm signal warning over the region.

As of 2:00 p.m. yesterday, Samuel was last spotted 70 kilometers west southwest of Iloilo, moving at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour (kph).

The storm has also significantly weakened after making landfall multiple times in the Visayas, carrying winds of 45 kph, with gusts up to 70 kph.

Samuel is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday morning./DGB, WDJ