More than 7,000 passengers were stranded in 114 seaports while many residents were rescued due to deep flooding as Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” brought heavy rains and strong winds in different parts of the country, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday, Sept. 26.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said 7,448 passengers were held at ports in the National Capital Region – Central Luzon (NCR-CL), Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Southern Visayas, and Northeastern Mindanao as of 12 noon.

There were also 3,063 rolling cargoes, 165 vessels, and 54 motorbancas that were unable to travel due to rough sea conditions, while 405 vessels and 128 motorbancas took shelter from the rains and winds.

Sea travel suspensions were in effect in Eastern, Northern, and Western Samar, as well as in La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

Other provinces where sea travel remained halted include Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, Guimaras, Bohol, central portion of Cebu, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Siargao, Dinagat Islands, and Grande Island.

“Once the weather improves and the storm signals in the respective areas are lifted, the suspension of sea travel may also be lifted. However, we will still assess the situation because the southwest monsoon (habagat) may continue to bring strong waves and winds. We exercise professional judgment when deciding whether to allow vessels to sail,” Cayabyab said.

Meanwhile, Cayabyab stressed that the PCG has been on full alert status since the onset of Super Typhoon “Nando” earlier this week and the entry of Opong.

Rescue operations were conducted in flood-hit areas such as Barangay San Isidro and Barangay Libertad in Ormoc City, Leyte where floodwaters have risen from waist- to head-level.

“The water level in San Isidro is quite high, almost above head level. Meanwhile, in Barangay Libertad, it has reached waist-deep. We are helping to evacuate all our fellow citizens there,” she said.

Rescue operations were also held in Naujan and Mamburao towns in Oriental Mindoro; Atimonan, Quezon; Bacoor City, Cavite; and Sta. Cruz, Marinduque among others.

The PCG deployed rescue swimmers, medical teams, rubber boats, aluminum boats, and heavy vehicles to support local government units (LGUs) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in evacuation and relief operations.

“It turned out relatively well because preemptive evacuations were carried out early with the LGUs and the NDRRMC. Incidents were truly avoided since coastal communities were evacuated ahead of time,” she said.

She added that the PCG continues to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the distribution of relief goods to affected families.