Manila: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said around 142,000 individuals in seaports were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) across the country.
Reporting to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace Friday, Bautista said the PCG has deployed 226 teams rescuing individuals stranded in seaports amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
As of Friday, Bautista said the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported 126 seaports in 11 regions struck by the severe tropical storm. These are in National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Southern Visayas, Northeastern Mindanao, and Northern Mindanao. The PPA counts NCR and Central Luzon as one region.
He noted that the Matnog Port in Sorsogon is one of the biggest affected ports due to Kristine, as there is still no movement of vessels yet in that port.
‘Bu
t the Philippine Coast Guard will allow the vessels to sail if the weather condition improves,’ Bautista said.
Based on his presentation, 10,475 individuals, 2,839 rolling cargoes, 111 vessels, and 33 motor bancas remained stranded.
Some 314 vessels and 262 motor bancas were also taking shelter.
The DOTr chief also reported that two fishermen went missing-one in San Fernando, La Union, and another in Buenavista, Quezon.
‘The Philippine Coast Guard, together with the Philippine Ports Authority, have extended assistance to all these affected individuals,’ Bautista said.
Normal airport operation
Bautista said all airports across the country have returned to normal operations.
From Oct. 21 to 24, a total of 28,715 passengers were affected due to the disruption of 300 flights in the past four days.
Sixty-seven flights reported delays affecting 6,149 passengers; flights of 20,114 passengers were canceled as 197 plane schedules were grounded; and 36 flights were diverted affecting 2,452 passengers.
Source:
Philippines News agency
