VIRAC, Catanduanes — All sea travels in Catanduanes were suspended on Tuesday, April 11, after tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 was hoisted in the province due to Tropical Depression “Amang.”
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) — Catanduanes said in an advisory that all sea vessels are barred from sailing, citing a 5 a.m. forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
“Trips of all vessel, regardless of type and tonnage within the Province of Catanduanes are hereby suspended effective as of 5:00 a.m. today,” according to the sea travel advisory of PCG-Catanduanes.
Meanwhile, in the capital town of Virac, classes at all levels in public and private schools were suspended by the local government in anticipation of the inclement weather.
The state weather bureau added that “Amang” is moving West Northwestward at 20 km/h, bringing strong winds that extend outwards up to 300 km from the center.
“Amang” is expected to bring heavy to intense rains beginning Tuesday until Thursday evening to Northern Samar and the northern portions of Samar and Eastern Samar; Camarines Norte and the western portion of Camarines Sur and the rest of Bicol Region; and the southern portion of Quezon.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazard as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” the Pagasa bulletin said. — Jona Mae Camacho, contributor