Hundreds stranded in Iloilo, Guimaras ports
Hundreds were stranded in all public ports yesterday particularly in Iloilo , Guimaras and Bacolod following issuance of storm signal No. 1 brought by tropical depression "Quinta.".
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately secured the ports as ferry boats and pumpboats were prohibited from leaving shore.
In Guimaras, both Buenavista and Jordan wharfs were crowded with passengers returning to Iloilo . Same scenario in Iloilo ports and Bacolod as informants told The News Today (TNT) of the waiting areas here filled beyond capacity. Even with storm signal No. 1, travelers were hopeful of a change in weather condition though heavy rains poured practically non-stop entire afternoon yesterday.
In a Severe Weather Bulletin released late morning by the weather bureau, it was gathered that Tropical depression "Quinta" maintained its strength as it moved towards Central Visayas .
Quinta had a strength of maximum sustained winds of 45 KPH near the center. Storm signal No. 1 in the Visayas included Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique and Guimaras Island. Also placed under same storm signal were the provinces of Camiguin, Biliran, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental.
"Residents along coastal areas of Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas are alerted on possible occurrence of big waves. Residents in low lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides," the Severe Weather bulletin went. "The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions.
As such, warnings went out on perennial flood-prone barangays and towns with the disaster coordinating councils activated.
Rescue teams likewise converged and called local radio stations offering services in case of an emergency.
Water levels in major Iloilo rivers where monitored anew amidst fears of yet another major flood.