The Coast Guard Station in Surigao del Norte (CGS-SDN) on Sunday issued a temporary suspension of voyages for all vessels and watercraft of any type or tonnage plying the routes in Dinagat Island and Surigao del Norte due to tropical depression ‘Kabayan.’
The CGS-SDN advisory is based on the published Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Number 1 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 5 a.m. on December 17.
The advisory pointed out that all vessels are permitted to leave port for shelter without passengers or cargoes onboard.
However, to ensure the flow of rolling cargoes and reduce port congestion, RORO vessels plying “Main Supply Routes” such as San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, to Lipata, Surigao, and vice versa, and San Jose Port to Surigao Baseport and vice versa may sail when Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted within its point of origin or route or point in destination, subject to strict compliance with specified safety conditions.
“Vessels who intend to take shelter shall be permitted as long as it is manifested through a written request with a provision of no passenger/cargo will be allowed on board,” the advisory read.
CGS-SDN further reminded the vessels allowed to sail to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the prevailing weather disturbance.
As of 2 p.m. on December 17, PAGASA placed 10 of 28 provinces in Mindanao under Storm Signal No. 1: Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, the northern portion of Davao Oriental (Cateel, Boston, Baganga), the northern portion of Davao de Oro (Monkayo, Laak), Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and the northern portion of Bukidnon (Impasug-Ong, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Libona, Baungon, Cabanglasan, City of Malaybalay).
Some areas in Visayas were also placed under Storm Signal No. 1.
Based on the track forecast of PAGASA, Kabayan is likely to make landfall along the coast of Surigao del Sur or Davao Oriental Sunday night or early Monday morning. (Ivy Marie Mangadlao / MindaNews)
