MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has successfully rescued approximately 142,000 passengers stranded at seaports nationwide due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The operation involved 226 teams deployed across affected regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista reported these developments during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace. The storm, known internationally as Trami, impacted 126 seaports in 11 regions. Among the hardest hit were the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, and several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.
One of the most severely affected ports is Matnog Port in Sorsogon, where vessel movement has been halted due to the storm. Bautista assured that the PCG would permit vessels to sail once weather conditions improve. Presently, 10,475 individuals, 2,839 rolling cargoes, 111 vessels, and 33 motor bancas remain stranded, while 314 vessel
s and 262 motor bancas have sought shelter.
The DOTr also reported two missing fishermen, with one incident occurring in San Fernando, La Union, and another in Buenavista, Quezon. Bautista emphasized that the PCG and the Philippine Ports Authority are actively providing assistance to those affected.
In addition to maritime disruptions, Bautista confirmed that airports across the Philippines have resumed normal operations. Between October 21 and 24, a total of 28,715 passengers were affected by the disruption of 300 flights. Delays impacted 6,149 passengers, while 197 flights were canceled, affecting 20,114 passengers. Furthermore, 36 flights were diverted, impacting 2,452 passengers.