BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Surigao del Norte temporarily suspended sea travel on Monday due to the threat of Tropical Depression Kristine.
The suspension, issued just after noon on Oct. 21, followed the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)’s announcement of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and the Siargao and Bucas Grande islands.
The order covers vessels traveling from mainland Surigao del Norte to Dinagat, Siargao, and Bucas Grande.
As of 11 a.m. Monday, PAGASA reported that Tropical Depression Kristine was located 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The weather disturbance carried maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 70 kph, moving west-southwest at 30 kph.
The Coast Guard Station-Surigao Del Norte (CGS-SDN) allowed roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) vessels to operate under strict conditions. According to PCG guidelines, RoRo vessels must have a gross tonnage of more than 300 tons, carry only drivers of rolling cargoes (no passengers), and sail 12 hours after the issuance of a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Earlier in the day, the CGS-SDN also issued an advisory warning small vessels and fishing boats to avoid going to sea due to unfavorable weather and sea conditions. The advisory stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all sea travelers and residents in coastal areas.
“Coastal communities in Surigao del Norte are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions against unpredictable strong winds and high waves,” the advisory said.
It also urged travelers to monitor weather updates and postpone trips if necessary. Beachgoers were discouraged from swimming due to unsafe weather conditions. (PNA)