SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has temporarily suspended all sea voyages in the province of Dinagat Islands on Friday (Nov 7), following the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in parts of Mindanao as Severe Tropical Storm “Uwan” (international name: Fung-Wong) approaches the country.
In an advisory, the PCG-Dinagat Islands said the suspension covers all vessels and watercraft plying routes between the province and nearby areas such as Surigao del Norte.
“This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers, crews, and vessels while the tropical cyclone remains a threat,” the PCG said, adding that operations will resume once weather conditions improve and an official clearance is issued.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Caraga likewise ordered a temporary suspension of all high-risk outdoor and recreational activities across the region, effective immediately.
“In light of this development and to ensure the highest safety standards for all residents and tourists, the DOT-Caraga implements a temporary restriction or ban on all high-risk outdoor tourism and recreational activities throughout the entire Caraga Region,” the agency said in its advisory.
The department also appealed to tourists to avoid venturing out to sea and to wait for an “all clear” advisory from authorities before resuming any travel or leisure activities.
According to the 5pm tropical cyclone bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the centre of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan was located 1,175km east of Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometres per hour near the centre and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
Pagasa said Uwan, moving westward at 25 kph, is projected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
“Strong to storm-force winds extend outward up to 780 kilometers from the center,” PAGASA said, warning that affected areas under TCWS No. 1—including Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands—may experience strong winds within 36 hours that could pose minimal to minor threats to life and property.
The weather bureau advised residents in low-lying coastal communities to remain alert for possible rough seas and to monitor succeeding bulletins as the storm nears the country. - The Philippine Inquirer/ANN
