Almost 3000 stranded in Bicol ports due to ‘Urduja’

LEGAZPI CITY—The number of stranded passengers in Bicol ports rose to almost 3,000 on Thursday afternoon due to the threat of tropical storm “Urduja.”

The Philippine Coast Guard Bicol said in a report that as of 12 noon, there were 2,982 in various ports in the region.

Of this figure, 384 were stranded passengers in Albay, 2,517 in Sorsogon, 21 in Catanduanes, 41 in Masbate and 19 in Camarines Sur. At least 424 rolling cargoes, 24 sea vessels and 24 motorbanca were also stranded due to the suspension of sea travel.

Classes in all levels in public and private schools in Albay were cancelled.

Gov. Al Francis Bichara said the suspension of classes started at 1 p.m. on Thursday untilFriday. On Wednesday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) ordered the cancellation of classes in pre-school and elementary.

In Catanduanes, Jerry Beo, head of PDRRMC, said Thursday they also ordered the cancellation of classes in pre-school, elementary and secondary levels. Ma. April Mier