The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has lifted its temporary suspension of sea travel in Eastern Visayas following the degrading of storm signals across much of the region.
In a notice to mariners on Monday morning, the PCG cited improving weather and sea conditions, based in the 5 a.m. bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
‘In reference to DOST-Pagasa Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Number 16.this station lifts the temporary suspension of voyages for all vessels and watercraft,’ the notice said.
It, however, urged ship owners, operators, and boat masters to exercise ‘extreme caution’ and continue to monitor subsequent weather updates and maritime safety advisories from the PCG and Pagasa.
Northern Samar, which serves as the gateway to Luzon through the port of Allen town, was among the areas that lifted travel cancellations.
The Northern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), led by Rei Josiah Echano, reported that 580 passengers were stranded at Allen ports before the PCG’s lifting of sea travel restrictions in Eastern Visayas.
Although Northern Samar endured strong winds and rains from Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong), the province reported minimal damage.
Echano said timely evacuations of approximately 45,706 residents helped achieve zero casualties.
‘After enduring almost 18 hours of devastating winds and rains, all local government units reported zero casualties in their situational reports submitted to the Northern Emergency Operations Center on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.,’ he added