Over 4,500 people stranded in various ports due to Auring — PCG

The total number of passengers, drivers, and cargo helpers who were stranded in different ports in the country is now at 4,565 due to Tropical Depression Auring, the Philippines Coast Guard said on Monday.

As of 4 a.m., PCG said 78 vessels, nine motor bancas, and 1,878 rolling cargoes were also stranded in Northern Mindanao, North Eastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Bicol, and Southern Tagalog regions.

At least 142 vessels and 96 motor bancas were taking shelter as a precautionary measure.

Most of the stranded people were from Eastern Visayas, where 2,609 passengers, drivers, and helpers as well as six vessels and  860 rolling cargoes were reportedly stranded, the Coast Guard said

The sea condition in the region is at moderate level, according to PCG. Affected ports were the Port of Liloan Ferry Terminal, Port of San Ricardo, Port of Sta. Clara, Port of Balwarteco, and Port of Dapdap.

According to PAGASA, Auring was located at 205 kilometers east northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte or 85 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 7 a.m. on Monday.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km per hour, moving north northwestward at 20 km/h.

By Tuesday morning, PAGASA said the tropical depression is expected to be 60 km northwest of Romblon, Romblon.

Auring is expected to make landfall in the next 6 to 12 hours over Eastern Samar as a tropical depression or a low pressure area, according to PAGASA. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News