298 passengers, drivers stranded in Negros Occidental due to 'Opong'
A TOTAL of 298 passengers and drivers were stranded in various seaports in northern Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, following the cancellation of sea trips due to severe tropical storm ‘Opong.’ (Coast Guard District Southern Visayas)
BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northern Negros Occidental reported on Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, that 298 passengers and drivers were stranded in various seaports due to severe tropical storm ‘’Opong.’’
The PCG suspended all sea trips in northern Negros Occidental and this highly urbanized city for the safety of travelers after some areas were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The Coast Guard Station-Northern Negros Occidental reported that 174 rolling cargoes, 14 vessels, and four sheltering vessels were stranded as of 4 p.m. Friday.
The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV), through its stations and substations, continues to provide assistance to stranded passengers in various ports affected by the typhoon.
Food packs and bottled water were distributed to stranded passengers at the Bredco Port here in collaboration with the 1308th Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Bredco Port management.
The Coast Guard also coordinated with the Philippine Red Cross to establish a first aid station at Bredco port to address immediate medical needs and check the wellness of stranded passengers.
Commodore Christopher Auro, CGDSV commander, underscored the importance of staying vigilant, monitoring official weather advisories, and ensuring readiness of coastal communities.