TD ‘Usman’ strands 5,500 passengers in Bicol ports

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – More than 5,500 passengers were stranded in Bicol ports after authorities suspended sea travel in various ports in the Bicol region because of Tropical Depression “Usman” on Friday, police said.

As of 6 a.m., about 4,869 passengers were stranded at the Matnog port in Sorsogon; 548 in Tabaco port, Albay; 108 in Camarines Sur; and 12 in Masbate, said Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police.

There were also 282 trucks, passenger buses, and light vehicles that were stranded in Sorsogon, Albay and Masbate.

No flooding incident was reported and all major roads and highways in the six provinces were still passable, Calubaquib said.

Calubaquib said 225 evacuation centers were also set up in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur and Masbate.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Usman” has maintained its course as it moves closer to Eastern Visayas.

All provinces in the Bicol region were placed under signal number one. /muf