By J. Jala, Helen Castano | 02:05 PM December 15, 2021
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Bohol has temporarily suspended all sea trips due to Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 due to Severe Tropical Storm Odette (international name:Rai).
Ensign Edzel Gonzaga, commander of the Coast Guard Station-Western Bohol, said that all type of vessels and watercrafts were prohibited to sail within the western coast of Bohol province as a proactive measure in order to avert maritime accident.
All fishing boats and other small watercrafts that intend to take shelter shall be permitted as long as it is manifested through written request, the advisory added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said rough to very rough seas will be experienced over the seaboards of Visayas.
It also warned that sea travel is risky for small seacrafts.
Trips may resume once the weather has cleared up.
Odette was last spotted approximately 735 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.
It was moving west northwest at 25 kph.
Signal No. 1 was raised over the following areas:
-Northern Samar
-Eastern Samar
-Samar
-Biliran
-Leyte
-Southern Leyte
-Bohol
-northern and central portions of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, San Remigio, Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Asturias, City of Carcar, Pinamungahan, San Fernando, Toledo City, City of Naga, Balamban, Minglanilla, Cebu City, City of Talisay, Consolacion, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Bantayan and Camotes Islands)
-Dinagat Islands
-Surigao del Norte
-Surigao del Sur
-Agusan del Norte
-Agusan del Sur
-Camiguin
-eastern portion of Misamis Oriental (Magsaysay, Gingoog City, Medina, Talisayan, Balingoan, Kinoguitan, Sugbongcogon, Salay, Jasaan, Balingasag, Lagonglong, Binuangan, Claveria, Villanueva, Tagoloan).
Storm signals will be upgraded as “Odette” moves closer to the archipelago. The highest level of wind signal that may be hoisted is Signal No. 3.
“Odette” is forecast to reach typhoon intensity within 12 hours and may reach a peak intensity of up to 155 kph prior to landfall on Thursday afternoon or evening over the Caraga and Eastern Visayas regions.
