Philippine Coast Guard bans sea travel in parts of Samar provinces

Tropical Depression Kristine maintains its strength while lingering over the Philippine Sea, according to the state weather agency, which raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over 15 areas as of mid-day Monday, October 21, 2024. Photo from DOST-PAGASA

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended sea travel in some parts of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in some areas due to Tropical Depression Kristine.

In a notice to mariners issued Monday, PCG stations in two Samar provinces said all sea vessels plying the route within the northeastern portions of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar are prohibited from leaving ports.

These towns are Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Catubig, and Lapinig in Northern Samar; Jipapad, Arteche, San Policarpio, and Oras in Eastern
Samar.

Mainly affected are travels going to island communities in the northeastern portion of two Samar provinces.

“All vessels are reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the movement of typhoon if deemed to be affected by said weather disturbance. The voyage of vessels will resume until further notice and upon improvement of weather and sea condition,” the PCG said in its notice.

In its 11 a.m. forecast, Pagasa said Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It was last tracked 870 km east of Eastern Visayas.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Catanduanes, Masbate including Ticao Island and Burias Island, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, and the eastern portion of Quezon in Luzon.

The same wind signal was raised over Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte in the Visayas; and Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, including Siargao in Mindanao. (PNA)