Thousands of domestic passengers arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 a day before Undas in this photo taken on October 31, 2022. PHOTO BY SAMUEL YAP
MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday urged travelers this Undas to consider alternative modes of transportation to avoid areas or ports affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).
According to Bautista, approximately 1.5 million bus travelers and 3 million airport and seaport passengers are expected on All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day.
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“We have alternative modes of transportation,” Bautista said in Filipino in a press briefing when asked if the Department of Transportation (DOTr) advises travelers to defer their trips because of the effects of Kristine in many areas.
“Those who want to travel by boat or ship to the Visayas can go via Batangas, as there are RoRo services from Batangas to Caticlan,” he added.
From Caticlan, he said, travelers may take bus trips to reach their respective destinations.
Bautista also said the DOTr and its attached agencies, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the Manila International Airport Authority, are getting ready for the surge of travelers.
“Every year we have this Oplan Byaheng Ayos for our passengers, so we’re prepared,” he added in Filipino.
Kristine exited the Philippine area of responsibility last October 25, but it left damage to infrastructure, agriculture, widespread flooding, and loss of lives.
READ: NDRRMC: Over 6 million affected, 97 dead due to Kristine
The number of people affected by Kristine has climbed to over six million, while reported deaths are now at 97, based on the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
As of 8 a.m. on October 28, the agency said 6,717,755 individuals, or 1,662,416 families, were affected by the inclement weather and flooding caused by Kristine.