(Eagle News)—Over 15,000 people have been reported stranded in ports across the country due to Tropical Depression “Usman,” the Philippine Coast Guard said.
According to the PCG, of the 15788 stranded as of 4 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, 1049 came from the National Capital Region-Central Luzon; 1164 from Central Visayas; 1733 from southern Tagalog; 942 from Western Visayas; 5,047 from Bicol; 5017 from Eastern Visayas; 453 from Northern Mindanao; and 383 from Southern Visayas.
The PCG said 1,464 rolling cargoes, 114 vessels and 24 motorbancas were also prevented from sailing.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its 8 a.m. bulletin that the center of “Usman” was located 250 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
PAGASA said “Usman” was expected to intensify into a tropical storm prior to it landfall over Eastern Samar tonight.