2,000 stranded in ports as ‘Gorio’ nears Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY – Over 2,000 passengers are now stranded in ports across Bicol as officials brace for tropical storm “Gorio” that is expected to hit the region, particularly Albay, by Saturday evening.

As Signal No. 2 was raised over Albay, Governor Joey Salceda has instructed all disaster coordinating councils in the provincial, city and municipal levels to be ready to evacuate residents in lahar, flood and landslide prone areas; and suspended all weekend school-related activities.

He also directed officials to ensure that no small sea vessels would be allowed to leave ports and for local disaster authorities to strictly implement the prohibition on crossing of flooded waters, swollen rivers and artificial pools of water.