Over 7,000 travelers stranded at ports nationwide due to Uwan

A total of 7,213 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded at various ports as Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) continued to affect parts of the country, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.

From 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Monday, November 10, the PCG said 156 ports and coastal areas were affected. Also stranded were 3,663 rolling cargoes, 171 vessels, and 28 motorbancas.

In addition, 541 vessels and 185 motorbancas were reported taking shelter due to the storm.

The highest number of stranded passengers was recorded in the Bicol Region at 2,590, across the following ports:

• Pioduran Port, Albay
• Pasacao Port, Camarines Sur
• Manaogan Fish Port, Masbate City
• Virac Port, Catanduanes
• San Andres Port, Catanduanes
• Aroroy Port, Masbate
• Masbate Port, Masbate City
• Mobo Port, Masbate
• Cataingan Port, Masbate
• Mintac Port, Balud, Masbate
• Cawayan Port, Masbate
• San Jacinto Port, Masbate (Ticao Island)
• San Fernando Port, Masbate (Ticao Island)
• Lagundi Port, Batuan, Masbate (Ticao Island)
• San Pascual Port, Masbate (Burias Island)
• Matnog Port, Sorsogon
• Pilar Port, Sorsogon
• Castilla Port, Sorsogon

A total of 995 people were also stranded in ports in Western Visayas, 991 in Central Visayas, 947 in Eastern Visayas, and 721 in Southern Tagalog.

Stranded passengers were likewise reported in ports in Central Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, Northeastern Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, and Southern Visayas.

As of 10 a.m., state weather bureau PAGASA said Typhoon Uwan continued to weaken as it moved farther over the West Philippine Sea.

The center of Uwan was estimated at 135 km west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h, gusts of up to 160 km/h, and a central pressure of 970 hPa. It was moving west-northwest at 20 km/h.

Despite weakening, Uwan’s strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 850 kilometers from its center, affecting large parts of Luzon and portions of the Visayas.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 remains in effect in several areas. — MCG, GMA Integrated News