Auring PH Updates: Badian suspends canyoneering, passengers stuck at Hagnaya Port

CEBU CITY, Philippines — As Tropical Storm Auring continues to draw closer, towns in Cebu are also busy preparing for the upcoming storm.

Badian town, in southern Cebu, has suspended all canyoneering activities to avoid any untoward accidents that may occur in the trails during the expected rains.

“As preemptive measures of the impending landfall of the tropical storm Auring expected to hit Cebu on Sunday, February 21, 2021, all activities such as canyoneering, trekking, and coastal activities like fishing, beach parties, among others are suspended,” said Mayor Carmencita Lumain in an order.

The barangays are urged to monitor their jurisdictions especially the coastal barangays and discourage smaller vessels to sail while the storm signal prevails over Cebu.

Tours and resort operations must also ensure the safety of their guests and inform them that canyoneering and similar activities will be prohibited before and during Auring’s landfall.

Meanwhile, in San Remegio town in Northern Cebu, at least 87 individuals have already been stranded following the cancellation of sea trip by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Passengers stranded in Hagnaya Port in San Remegio, Cebu.

The municipal government has urged passengers to no longer go to the port following the suspension of sea trips so as to not crowd the Hagnaya Port.

Across the sea from Hagnaya, Sta. Fe town in Bantayan island already reported big waves and strong winds. The Cebu Port Authority said there are no stranded passengers in the Sta. Fe Port.

The passenger terminal has also been closed since sea travels have been suspended.

An empty port in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu

The towns of Daanbantayan, Argao, and Samboan also reported no stranded passengers as of noon on Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Auring is expected to pass northern and central Cebu on Sunday, February 21, 2021. /rcg