TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has lifted its temporary ban on sea travel across Eastern Visayas after the weather significantly improved following the passage of Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
In a notice to mariners issued Monday morning, Nov. 10, the PCG said the decision was based on the latest advisory from the DOST-Pagasa’s Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 16, which reported calmer seas and reduced wind strength in most parts of the region.
“With reference to DOST-Pagasa Tropical Cyclone Bulletin Number 16, this station lifts the temporary suspension of voyages for all vessels and watercraft,” the advisory stated, though it reminded ship owners and operators to exercise “extreme caution” and remain alert to updated weather and safety bulletins.
In Northern Samar, which serves as the main maritime gateway to Luzon through the Allen seaports, sea operations have resumed after nearly 600 passengers were stranded during the suspension.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rei Josiah Echano said the province suffered minimal damage despite enduring nearly 18 hours of fierce winds and rains. He credited the zero-casualty outcome to the timely evacuation of around 45,706 residents before the storm’s landfall.
“All local government units reported zero casualties in their situational reports submitted to the Northern Samar Emergency Operations Center as of Nov. 9,” Echano said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
