Land and sea travel have been suspended in areas in the path of typhoon “Odette” (international name “Rai”) which is expected to affect most parts of Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 15, the DOTr said land travel to the Visayas and Mindanao was already suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) last Dec. 13, following the request of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region.
The LTO also ordered the suspension of land travel to Catanduanes and Masbate on Dec. 14 to prevent the congestion of vehicles along the Maharlika Highway and the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon, and all other ports in the Bicol Region.
According to the LTO, the order suspending land travel to the affected areas will remain until the tropical cyclone warning signal is lifted.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it has started to comply with the advisories issued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The PPA emphasized that ports are still open but sea voyages are suspended in the areas affected by typhoon "Odette" based on PCG’s advisory.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it has yet to suspend air traffic operation but now assessing the possibility, particularly in areas expected on the track of "Odette".
The CAAP likewise assured that airports under its supervision have already activated their respective weather emergency standby protocols while monitoring the movement of the typhoon.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade directed also on Wednesday all of its attached agencies to be prepared for the onslaught of "Odette".
“We need to be ready for this storm. Let us monitor closely and coordinate all action with all the other concerned government agencies so that those who are going home to their provinces to spend the Christmas holidays will be safe,” Tugade said.
Following Tugade’s directive, units of the PCG have started mounting efforts for possible evacuations, rescue operations and the delivery of relief amid the typhoon.
"Odette" has intensified into a typhoon as of 8 a.m., on Wednesday. It is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas by Thursday afternoon.