More than 800 passengers and 300 vehicles going to Liloan and Benit, Southern Leyte were stranded at the Lipata Port in Surigao due to Tropical Cyclone Auring.
Among the stranded vehicles are cargo trucks, passenger buses, and private cars following the suspension of trips of sea vessels by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao del Norte on Friday morning.
The stranded cargo trucks headed to Visayas and Luzon are carrying hogs, fruits, vegetables, and other shipment from Davao, Cagayan, and other areas in Mindanao. Some of the goods have already been sold at a cheaper price amid concerns on prolonged stay in the port.
Port Management Office Manager Froilan Caturla said stranded passengers were provided food and have been “immediately evacuated” in designated facilities.
Based on the 2 p.m. Severe Weather Bulletin of PAGASA, Auring has already weakened into a Low Pressure Area (LPA) at 11 a.m. on Monday and is “forecast to move northwestward to westward and may traverse the Bicol Region, southern Quezon Marinduque, and northern Mindoro in the next 24 hours.” – Report from Venus Garcia/PIA-CARAGA
