NDRRMC: No casualty in Eastern Visayas due to Ursula

No reported casualties have yet been received by authorities after Typhoon Ursula (international name: Phanfone) passed through Eastern Visayas, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said on Wednesday.

"As of this time wala pa [casualty]. Hopefully wala nang papasok," he said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV aired on GMA News TV.

"Dito naman sa Eastern Visayas ay nakalampas na ang bagyo. 'Yung mga local government units ay nandoon sa clearing operations at assessment of damages," he added.

According to PAGASA, Ursula's eyewall is bringing very destructive winds and intense rainfall over southwestern Masbate, Aklan, Capiz, northern Antique, northeastern Iloilo, and Romblon as of 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The southern portion of Mindoro provinces will also be affected by the eyewall in the coming hours as Ursula moves west.

Ursula made landfall over Salcedo, Eastern Samar on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, nine areas were under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3, and many more were under TCWS No. 2 and No. 1.

Fishermen carry a boat to higher ground in Baybay, Eastern Samar on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, after Typhoon Ursula hit central Philippines. Ursula made landfall over Salcedo, Eastern Samar on Dec. 24 and began lashing several provinces, ruining Christmas plans as thousands were left stranded at ports or told to leave their homes. Alren BERONIO / AFP

A total of 23,789 passengers were stranded at seaports in various provinces affected by Ursula, the NDRRMC said in its 6 a.m. situation report.

The trips of 3,253 rolling cargoes and 157 maritime vessels were also disrupted.

More than 60 domestic flights had already been canceled since Tuesday because of the typhoon, the NDRRMC added.

In Eastern Visayas, over 900 families or more than 4,000 individuals have been preemptively evacuated.

Power outage has also been experienced in 10 cities and municipalities of the region. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News