Cargo trucks line up on the road at the Liloan Port in Santander town, western Cebu as they wait for the resumption of sea trips to Sibulan, Negros Oriental. | Contributed photo by Tito Tan
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Coast Guard District in Central Visayas said 304 passengers were stranded in Cebu while 67 others are stuck in Negros Oriental as of February 20, 2021, due to Tropical Storm Auring.
Other than the stranded passengers, there are also 85 rolling cargoes, 21 vessels, and 1 MBCA or motor bancas licensed by MARINA that were not permitted to travel in Cebu. Aside from these, 13 vessels and 15 MBCAs are also taking shelter in different ports in Central Visayas.
As per the 5 p.m. weather update of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Auring will dump heavy rains over CARAGA and Eastern Visayas tonight, February 20.
The state weather bureau also forecasted that on Sunday, February 21, areas over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Eastern Visayas will experience moderate to heavy rains. Light to moderate with at times heavy rains will also be experienced over Northern Mindanao, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Quezon, and the rest of Visayas and Caraga.
Due to the heavy rains and winds that Auring may bring, the Coast Guard Station Central Visayas has temporarily suspended sea trips for all types of vessels plying in some areas of Visayas and Mindanao.
Wells Ruth Quisto, one of the stranded passengers in Pier 1, told CDN Digital that she and her daughter were already inside a boat bound for Surigao last night, February, 19 when they were informed that their trip was suspended.
Quisto and her daughter are currently renting a space in Lahug as they prepare for their trip to Tayaga Claver, Surigao del Norte when the weather permits.
“Gahapon (7 p.m.) unta amo larga unya na postpone, pagka Lunes na sab daw,” Quisto said.
PO3 Mark Alob, substation commander of Task Force Aduana, said that the PCG team is prepared to respond to any contingency that may happen. /rcg