Severe Tropical Storm Wipha Strands Over 800 in Ports Nationwide
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that over 800 individuals have been stranded across 46 ports due to Severe Tropical Storm Wipha. The storm, formerly known as Crising, has caused significant disruptions, affecting passengers, cargo drivers, and helpers throughout the country.
Between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, the PCG confirmed that 869 people were stranded. This includes passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers who could not continue their journeys amid the storm’s impact. Additionally, 428 rolling cargoes, 46 vessels, and seven motorbancas remain immobilized, while 52 vessels and 76 motorbancas have sought shelter to avoid the severe weather.
Coast Guard Reports by Region
Central Luzon
Ports monitored include PBR-Limay, Mariveles Anchorage Area, and Cavite Gateway Terminal. While specific numbers of stranded individuals were not detailed, 15 vessels and 54 motorbancas are currently taking shelter.
Southwestern Mindanao
Ports such as Dapitan, Galas Feeder, Nabilid, Lamao, and Olutanga Solar reported five rolling cargoes and 14 vessels stranded. No figures were given for those taking shelter.
Central Visayas
Several ports including Roro, Consuelo, Cawit Wharf, and Hagnaya recorded 17 stranded passengers, drivers, and helpers. They also reported 28 rolling cargoes, 11 vessels, and two motorbancas stranded.
Western and Eastern Visayas
In Western Visayas, ports like Parola Fort San Pedro and RJL Port saw 54 stranded individuals along with two vessels. Eastern Visayas faced the largest impact with 720 passengers and helpers stranded, 373 rolling cargoes, and three vessels immobilized across ports such as Bato, Baybay, and Maasin.
Bicol and Southern Visayas
Bicol’s Bulan, Matnog, and Pasacao ports reported 74 stranded individuals and 22 rolling cargoes. Southern Visayas ports including Banago, San Carlos, and Dumaguete recorded four stranded passengers, 12 vessels, and four motorbancas.
Storm Status and Safety Measures
According to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Severe Tropical Storm Wipha remains strong as it moves away from the Philippine landmass. The storm was last located 345 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes, outside the Philippine area of responsibility.
Wipha carries maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 125 kph. It is moving west-northwest at a speed of 20 kph. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of affected passengers and vessels.
For more news and updates on Severe Tropical Storm Wipha, visit Filipinokami.com.
