By Mariela Angella Oladive
As Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) continues to affect the region, nearly 300 passengers have been stranded at Iloilo ports, according to the latest reports.
As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 182 individuals were reported stranded at Parola Wharf, while 105 were stranded at the Roro Lapuz Wharf.
The suspension of sea travel, implemented as a precaution under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, has left passengers waiting for updates on when travel will resume.
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that trips to and from key routes, including Iloilo-Guimaras and Iloilo-Manila, have been canceled due to rough sea conditions caused by the storm.
In response, the Iloilo City Government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), announced it would provide dinner to the stranded passengers.
The CSWDO assured that all stranded individuals will receive food and water, as the government closely monitors the situation.
Tropical Storm “Kristine” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at midnight on Monday. It has brought heavy rains and strong winds, prompting both the city and province of Iloilo to be placed under blue alert, activating disaster response protocols and putting all relevant agencies on high alert.
Meanwhile, 18 households from Barangay San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City, were preemptively evacuated the same day.
The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center reported that the evacuation involved 79 individuals who are now sheltered at the San Juan Gym.
Local authorities initiated the evacuation to ensure the safety of residents in coastal areas vulnerable to strong winds.
CSWDO personnel are on-site at the evacuation center to assist the evacuees.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather situation and follow official advisories from local disaster response agencies.
Further updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
