Bicol region braces for ‘Ofel’

MANILA, Philippines — Local officials in Bicol region led preparations on Thursday for the fury of tropical storm "Ofel" and told bus and ferry firms to monitor weather reports to prevent the stranding of passengers in ports. Radio dzRH reported that officials in Catanduanes and Albay provinces are also monitoring local ports, particularly that in Tabaco City in Albay, to avoid a repeat of past stranding incidents. Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Ofel" was moving northwest but will enhance the southwest monsoon. The eastern region of Bicol often suffers a lot of damage from typhoons that pass through Philippine territory. - GMANews.TV