Thousands stranded in Bicol, E. Visayas ports due to Carina

MANILA, Philippines –Over 4,000 passengers were stranded in  ports in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas on Saturday, July 30, because of Tropical Storm Carina.

Of the number of stranded passengers, about 3,000 are in Bicol ports.

Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council chairman in Bicol, said the Operation Center (OpCen) has been reactivated and placed under Blue Alert Status. This means disaster agencies and assets are on standby 24 hours.

“The 6 Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in 6 provinces of Bicol must be ready at all times and for them to closely monitor the situation, so as to immediately coordinate with our office,” Alejandro said.

On Friday morning, Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara convened all  concerned provincial offices and disaster responders in preparation for the weather disturbance.

Bichara also enforced the “no sailing policy” on all types of sea crafts including to ensure public safety, and directed other local officials down to the barangay level to do the same.

PAGASA has warned fishermen that coastal waters in the eastern seaboards of Camarines Norte and Quezon, including Polillo Island, would be rough to very rough. – with a report from Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler.com