Over 700 passengers stranded in Bicol ports due to Paeng

By: Ma. April Mier-Manjares @MaAprilMierINQ - 2 years ago

Tropical Storm Paeng approaches the country's landmass

Track of Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae). Photo from Pagasa

LEGAZPI CITY — At least 762 passengers were stranded in various ports in the Bicol region due to Tropical Storm Paeng (international name Nalgae).

In a report, the Philippine Coast Guard Bicol said that as of 4 a.m., 461 passengers were stranded at Matnog port in Sorsogon, 275 at Tabaco City port in Albay, and 26 at Camarines Sur ports.

Also stranded were 294 rolling cargoes and 45 fishing vessels.

Five flights were also canceled at Virac Airport in Catanduanes and Masbate Airport in Masbate province, said Gremil Alexis Naz, Office of Civil Defense Bicol spokesperson, in a report.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Paeng was last located 410 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 90 kph.

Pagasa said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was hoisted in Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Garchitorena, Presentacion, Lagonoy, Goa, San Jose, Tigaon, Iriga City, Saglay, Buhi), Northern Samar and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo, Maslog, Dolores, Can-Avid, Taft).

Signal No. 1 was also raised in Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands, Camarines Norte, and the rest of Camarines Sur. INQ

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