Albay disaster execs order fishers not to sail due to ‘Ofel’

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Bracing for moderate to heavy rains forecast to hit Bicol, disaster authorities in Albay issued on Wednesday a “no-sailing” order to fishermen, a preparedness measure, as “Ofel” intensified into a topical storm and hovered over the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman, said the no-sail policy would initially apply to fishermen but once a public storm signal is raised in Bicol, the policy would apply to all sea craft in various ports in the province.

In an emergency meeting, the PDRRMC directed the Philippine Coast Guard to strictly enforce the policy for fishermen in coastal villages across the province.

Salceda advised residents not to cross flood waters or swollen rivers. He also directed various local disaster councils to activate their respective operation centers for close monitoring of weather bulletins and PDRRMC advisories.