3,251 passengers stranded in Bicol due to ‘Usman’

LEGAZPI CITY—As Tropical Depression “Usman” threatens to dump rain and to intensify before making landfall in Eastern Samar, 3,251 passengers have been stranded in the five ports in the Bicol region.

The number is expected to rise as Coast Guard Bicol still awaits figures from other ports.

Tropical cyclone warning signal number 1 has been raised over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate, including Ticao and Burias islands in the region at 10 a.m. Thursday.

According to a report from the Coast Guard, 2,357 passengers have been stranded in Matnog port (Sorsogon), 391 in Pio Duran port (Albay), 260 in Pilar port (Sorsogon), 124 in Pasacao port (Camarines Sur), and 115 in Bulan (Sorsogon).

Meanwhile, 92 rolling cargoes have been prevented from sailing throughout the region.

Usman, the 21st typhoon to enter the Philippine area of responsibility, was last seen at 440 kilometers east-southeast of Guiuan in Eastern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in a press conference.

Fisherfolks were also advised not to venture out of sea due to the weather disturbance. /ee

READ: Tropical depression ‘Usman’ to make landfall Friday — Pagasa