Thousands stranded in Cebu ports due to Glenda

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,600 passengers were stranded in several seaports of Cebu after sea travels were suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard because of typhoon Glenda.

All vessels were grounded as public storm warning signal number one was hoisted over northern Cebu and Cebu City.

“In this case, no vessels, regardless of size will be allowed to sail if PSWS #1 is in effect,” Commander Weniel Azcuna, PCG Central Visayas spokesperson, told The Freeman.

Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Rodolfo Villajuan said all vessels were prevented from leaving the ports of the City of Naga City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Danao City, Camotes Islands, Hagnaya in San Remigio, Bantayan Island, and other parts of northern Cebu.

Passenger vessels were not allowed to sail particularly those heading for Ormoc, Calbayog, Tagbilaran, Masbate, Catbalogan, Naval, Cataingan, Baybay, Hilongos, and Manila.

Trips going to and from northern Cebu like Camotes Islands, Estancia in Panay, Cadiz, Sta. Fe town in Bantayan Island were likewise cancelled.

Two vessels, one going to Virac in Catanduanes and another to Sorsogon City, were not allowed to leave the port of the City of Naga.

PCG received report that a fishing boat capsized while anchored in Medellin town. There were no reports of casualties.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, flights at the Mactan Cebu International Airport were cancelled.

Military personnel were also on red alert because of the typhoon, said the commander of the AFP Central Command, Major General John Bonafos.

Bonafos said the military are ready for possible search and rescue operations.

“Ninety (90) percent of the personnel ay pwedeng i-deploy at ang lahat nang nasa inventory ay serviceable and we informed the government agencies on what we need also,” Bonafos said.

Director Olivia Luces of the Office of the Civil Defense said that they have started their preparation three days ago. She said all aspects in disaster preparedness were activated as they continue to monitor areas vulnerable for floods and landslides.

“We are prepared in any eventualities, in fact, we alerted all our personnel and continue to monitor the intermittent rain,” Luces said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepared at least 1,000 packs of goods for relief operations. — /FPL (FREEMAN)