348 passengers stranded in Allen port terminals due to Rolly

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 348 passengers bound for Luzon are stranded at different port terminals in Allen, Northern Samar on Saturday amid the threat of Typhoon Rolly.

Lt. Paterno Belarmino, head of the Philippine Coast Guard in Northern Samar said sea travel remains prohibited until the tropical cyclone wind signal in Eastern Visayas is lifted.

Of the 348 stranded passengers, 101 are in Balwharteco Port; 225 at the Sta. Clara Port; and 22 at the Dapdap Port.

According to Belarmino, 101 vehicles are also stranded in the three ports while five sea vessels took shelter within their area of responsibility.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas headed by Director Byron Torrecarion has asked all local government units in the region to be alert and vigilant.

Rei Josiah Echano, provincial risk reduction management officer of Northern Samar, said they have already prepositioned food packs for families that may be evacuated.

Meanwhile, Catarman Mayor Francisco Rosales ordered that the town which is in Northern Samar, be placed under a blue alert status because of the typhoon.

The province which is also under storm signal number 2, is bracing for flooding and landslides.

/MUF