Over 3K individuals stranded in ports due to Pepito

More than 3,000 individuals were stranded in ports on Saturday morning as sea travel was canceled in many areas due to the threat of Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi), according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said that from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday, 3,217 persons were stranded in 45 ports in Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas and Bicol.

Two vessels and 1,217 rolling cargoes were also stranded in the same ports.

Meanwhile, 198 vessels and 156 motor bancas took shelter in the same areas, the PCG said.

In Bicol, the following were stranded:

• 1,957 individuals/drivers/helpers
• 723 rolling cargoes
• 2 vessels

On the other hand, 78 vessels and two motor bancas are taking shelter.

 

In Eastern Visayas, here are the stranded:

• 1,015 persons/drivers/helpers
• 365 rolling cargoes

Eleven vessels are taking shelter.

 

In Southern Tagalog meanwhile, the PCG said the following were stranded:

• 245 persons/drivers/helpers
• 125 rolling cargoes

Meanwhile, 109 vessels and 154 motor bancas are taking shelter.

Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-Yi), which is projected to reach super typhoon category, is expected to make landfall over Catanduanes tonight or Sunday, November 17, morning, PAGASA said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was raised at 8 a.m. over:

• Catanduanes;
• the eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay Santo Domingo, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Tiwi, Malinao);
• the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Caramoan, Presentacion, San Jose, Garchitorena, Lagonoy, Sagñay, Tigaon, Goa, Tinambac, Siruma);
• the easternmost portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz);
• the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Palapag, Laoang, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Catubig, Pambujan); and
• the northernmost portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Oras, Jipapad).

 

The state weather bureau added that a landfall scenario over the eastern coast of Camarines Sur, Albay, or Sorsogon during the same time frame, or along the eastern coast of Quezon or Aurora tomorrow afternoon or evening “remains not ruled out.”

PAGASA said that regardless of the landfall point, Pepito will still more likely move generally west northwestward over the weekend and pass over or near the landmass of Bicol Region, Quezon, Central Luzon provinces, and the provinces of Benguet, La Union, and Pangasinan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow evening or Monday morning. —KG, GMA Integrated News