MANILA: Over 8,600 passengers were stranded in different ports across the country on Saturday (Dec 6) due to Tropical Depression Wilma, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In its maritime advisory issued at 10am, PCG said that 8,622 passengers were stranded from 4am to 8am in 87 ports in Southern Tagalog, Northeastern Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Southern Visayas, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas and Western Visayas.
PCG added that 126 vessels, 38 motorbancas and 2,628 rolling cargoes were affected by the weather disturbance.
Meanwhile, 161 vessels and 101 motorbancas were taking shelter.
According to the 11am weather bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Wilma maintained its strength as it moved closer to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.
It was last spotted over the coastal waters of Sulat in Eastern Samar as of 10am.
It was still carrying a maximum wind speed of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 55 kph.
Wilma continued to move slowly in a westward direction.
The tropical depression is forecast to make a landfall over Eastern Samar or Northern Samar within today (Saturday). - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
