‘Agaton’ leaves thousands stranded in various ports

Thousands of passengers were stranded in different ports in areas affected by tropical depression “Agaton,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

Quoting figures from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said a total of 3,061 passengers were stranded in ports in Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas.

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 has been raised over Palawan including Cuyo Island, Bohol, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Southern Antique, and Southern Iloilo, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)’s 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin.

Agaton is also expected to bring moderate to heavy rains that threaten the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, Panay Island, Romblon, and Mindoro provinces, the weather bureau said.

Marasigan called on residents in these areas to take precautionary measures as Agaton would continue to dump heavy rain that could trigger flashfloods and landslides.

“Kaya ibayong pag-iingat po ang ating abiso sa ating mga mamamayan dahil ito pong bagyong Agaton ay may dalang moderate to heavy rainfall na maaaring magdala ng pagbabaha at pagguho ng lupa,” she said in a briefing broadcast online.

(That’s why we advise residents to take extra caution because Agaton brings moderate to heavy rainfall that could trigger flashfloods and landslides.)

Marasigan said 611 families preemptively evacuated in Capiz, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Agusan del Norte while 16 families had sought shelter from their family members.

NDRRMC continues to be on red alert as Agaton dumps heavy rain over Negros Oriental and moves west to Palawan at a speed of 28 kilometers per hour (kph).

The weather disturbance has maintained its strength with 55 kph maximum sustained winds and 90 kph gustiness, Pagasa said. /jpv