BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Hundreds of passengers at Parola Wharf in Iloilo City were stranded after authorities prohibited yesterday fiberglass boats from sailing to Guimaras Island due to Tropical Storm Bebinca.
The suspension of sea travel is aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers during adverse weather conditions to prevent maritime accidents.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) advised villages with hazard sensors to closely monitor the areas identified as high risk of flooding. The CDRRMC noted the actual rainfall yesterday already reached 11 millimeters.
“Motorists are advised to take extra caution due to wet and slippery roads. The general public is advised to monitor advisories and remain vigilant of the ever-changing weather conditions,” the CDRRMC advisory read.
The Office of the Civil Defense in Western Visayas has issued a rainfall warning for some parts of Iloilo and the rest of Panay Island.
“The public and the disaster risk reductions and management councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions, monitor the weather condition, and watch for the next advisory,” the OCD said in its bulletin.
Mayor Jerry Trenas also issued an executive order suspending the classes from preschool to senior high school yesterday afternoon in Iloilo City.
“This decision ensures the safety and well-being of our students amid the current circumstances,” the mayor noted.
The suspension came after the state weather bureau reported that Iloilo City faced continued risks due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon triggered by Tropical Storm Bebinca.
Pag-asa also projected yesterday the Southwest Monsoon will continue to affect portions of Panay Island, including Iloilo City.
“To safeguard the safety of students and residents, face-to-face classes from preschool to senior high school are suspended this afternoon in all public and private schools within Iloilo City,” the mayor’s order read./PN
