ILOILO – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is reminding Ilonggos, especially those residing in low-lying areas, to be prepared for the impacts of tropical storm “Dante” (internationally named “Choi-wan”).
“Mag-aligmat lang kita especially (today),” said Dr. Jerry Bionat, PDRRMO head.
However, he said, “kon basehan ang tracking sang typhoon indi man ini sia maglabay sa probinsya.” said Bionat.
Based on the 4 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), “Dante” was last spotted 85 kilometers east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) with gusts of up to 88 kph.
SIGNAL NO. 1
Fishermen and residents in storm-signal areas were advised to steer clear of the waters especially today.
On Tuesday, Pagasa placed under Storm Signal No. 1 the following areas:
* provinces of Aklan and Capiz;
* the central and northern parts of Iloilo province (Lambunao, Janiuay, Dumangas, Zarraga, New Lucena, Pototan, Mina, Badiangan, Dueñas, Calinog, Bingawan, City of Passi, San Enrique, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Banate, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Lemery, Ajuy, Sara, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Batad, Estancia, Balasan, and Carles); and
* northern portion of Negros Occidental (San Carlos City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, Talisay City, Silay City, Enrique B. Magalona, Victorias City, Manapla, Murcia, Bacolod City).
CANCELLED TRIPS
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Iloilo station commander, Commodore Edison Diaz, sent out a public advisory cancelling the following trips (based on PCG’s Advisory No. 2):
* Iloilo City en route to Cebu City and vice versa;
* Carles, Iloilo to en route to Gigantes Island, Iloilo and vice versa;
* Estancia, Iloilo en route to Gigantes Island, Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo and vice versa;
* Estancia, Iloilo en route to Tabuelan, Cebu via Sagay City, Negros Occidental and vice versa.
Meanwhile, the following trips have resumed since 6 p.m. yesterday after they were halted:
* Dumangas, Iloilo en route to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and vice versa; and
* Iloilo City en route to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and vice versa;
The advisory also stated “all fishing banca/vessels plying in the area of responsibilities are not allowed to venture out to sea.”
The country’s 4th storm, which has so far left three persons dead and one missing after hitting Mindanao, is moving north northwestward at 25 kph.
“Dante” is also forecast to remain as tropical storm before it hits land and could weaken into a tropical depression on June 3./PN
