Sea travel, classes suspended in 2 Mindanao regions as Wilma nears

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The Philippine Coast Guard orders all vessels to halt operations in Camiguin in Northern Mindanao, Dinagat Islands, Bucas Grande, and Siargao in the Caraga Region after storm signal No. 1 was raised

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Authorities suspended sea travel and school classes in Cagara and Northern Mindanao on Friday, December 5, as Tropical Depression Wilma raised the threat of another round of floods and landslides.

The Philippine Coast Guard ordered all vessels to halt operations in Camiguin in Northern Mindanao, Dinagat Island, Bucas Grande, and Siargao in the Caraga Region after storm signal No. 1 was raised, instructing ship owners to secure boats in ports. 

Affected routes included Balingoan to Benoni in Camiguin, and Surigao City to Dinagat and Siargao islands.

Residents across Visayas, Caraga, and Northern Mindanao have been put on notice as authorities brace for heavy rain that could trigger floods and landslides.

Local governments in the two Mindanao regions also moved to protect residents. In Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Rolando Uy suspended face-to-face classes and placed the city’s disaster relief teams on heightened alert. 

In Caraga, the Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council advised town governments to impose targeted class suspensions, while Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. activated disaster teams and raised the alert level to blue.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wilma was 235 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, as of 7 am Friday, moving southwest at 15 km/h with winds of 45 km/h and stronger gusts up to 55 km/h, and could make landfall in Dinagat or Eastern Visayas either Friday evening or Saturday morning. – Rappler.com