ILOILO City — Tropical Storm “Basyang” has triggered sweeping disruptions across Western Visayas on Thursday, forcing the suspension of sea travel and the cancellation of face-to-face classes for nearly 96,000 learners as authorities braced for heavy rains, strong winds, and possible flooding.
Following the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the entire region, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) suspended sea trips in several provinces, leaving hundreds of passengers and cargoes stranded.
Based on CGDWV data from 8 a.m. to 12 noon yesterday, a total of 790 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded in Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo due to the suspension of sea travel.
Also affected were 170 rolling cargoes and two vessels.
“The CGDWV monitored 185 ports affected,” it said in a statement.
In Guimaras, where sea crossings are shorter, the provincial government allowed limited operations under strict capacity restrictions.
“Passenger vessels and motorboats plying the Guimaras-Iloilo City route, vice versa shall only carry not more than 50% of their authorized passenger capacity, in accordance with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-issued Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC),” the Guimaras provincial government announced.
Roll on, roll off (RoRo) vessels weighing more than 300 gross tonnage were allowed to sail, provided they do not exceed 75% of their authorized cargo capacity, as per Maritime Industry Authority-issued certificates.
However, all sea trips from Sebaste Port in Sibunag, Guimaras to Pulupandan Port in Negros Occidental were cancelled until further notice.
The provincial government also issued a stern advisory to the public: “All inbound and outbound sea travels within the Province of Guimaras are reminded to take extra precautionary measures.”
Furthermore, all coastal communities and fisherfolk were “strongly advised” to refrain from engaging in any sea-related activities until further notice to prevent accidents and loss of life.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, monitor official advisories, and prioritize safety at all times,” the provincial government of Guimaras added.
As part of storm preparations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG) across all Coast Guard stations and sub-stations in the region to ensure rapid and organized response to weather-related emergencies, particularly in coastal and flood-prone areas.
Authorities also reiterated their warning to fisherfolk, vessel crews, and sea travelers to avoid sailing and to continuously monitor official advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASAP and the PCG.
Classes suspended across WV
The threat of adverse weather conditions also forced the suspension of face-to-face classes in 1,800 schools, affecting 95,828 learners across Western Visayas as of 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6. Schools shifted to Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) in 69 municipalities.
The breakdown of affected schools and learners is as follows:
* Antique – 538 schools, 13,088 learners
* Capiz – 107 schools, 45,839 learners
* Guimaras – 98 schools, 3,099 learners
* Iloilo – 916 schools, 24,582 learners
* Iloilo City – 62 schools, 5,519 learners
* Passi City – 38 schools, 1,370 learners
* Roxas City – 41 schools, 2,331 learners
Pre-emptive evacuation ordered
Amid forecasts of widespread heavy to torrential rains, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) ordered pre-emptive evacuation in vulnerable areas.
On Thursday morning, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 6 director Raul Fernandez, who also chairs RDRRMC, issued a memorandum directing all local DRRMCs to evacuate residents in high-risk zones.
“Pursuant to our mandate to ensure the safety and protection of lives and properties, all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) are hereby directed to conduct pre-emptive evacuation, particularly in areas previously identified as high-risk to flooding, landslides, and storm surges, in preparation for the potential impacts of Tropical Cyclone ‘Basyang,’” Fernandez said.
PAGASA reported that Basyang is expected to traverse Western Visayas by Friday night, bringing strong winds and intense rainfall across large portions of the region.
Local DRRMCs were instructed to:
* Implement pre-emptive evacuation in identified high-risk barangays, especially in Southern Iloilo and Southern Antique
* Activate Emergency Operations Centers and coordinate closely with the regional DRRM office
* Ensure evacuation centers are adequately stocked with food, water, and health supplies
* Disseminate timely and accurate warnings to communities
* Submit regular situation reports to the regional operations center
“Strict adherence to this directives enjoined to ensure the safety of everyone and to minimize casualties and damages that may result from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Basyang,” the order stressed./PN
