AUTHORITIES evacuated tens of thousands of people, canceled more flights and shut schools as Typhoon Tisoy (international code name) Kammuri maintained its strength as it came closer to land in the main Luzon island.
Tisoy is packing maximum winds of 150 kilometers per hou (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph, the nation’s weather bureau said. The 20th storm to enter the Philippines this year is following a track similar to typhoon Glenda (international code name Rammasun) in July 2014, which killed 106 people and damaged properties worth P38.6 billion.
More than two dozen areas are on storm signal 3, the third-highest in a five-level warning system, before it hits land over Bicol region as early as Monday. Under signal 3, wind of as much as 170 kph – strong enough to topple coconut trees and destroy rice and corn crops – may be expected in 18 hours. Metro Manila and a dozen areas are under signal 2.
Philippine Airlines Inc. and Cebu Air Inc. suspended more domestic flights, schools are shut in several provinces and parts of Metro Manila on Monday, while more than 4,600 people are stranded in various ports.
As of noontime on Monday, the Philippines two largest carriers canceled 46 domestic flights in areas that are on the path of Typhoon Tisoy.
Legacy carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) canceled flights to Tacloban, Cebu, Davao, Siargao, and from Clark to Catarman, Samar, and multiple flights to Basco, Siargao, Legaspi, Tacloban.
CEB cancelled multiple flights to Virac and Tacloban, while Cebgo cancelled flights to Masbate, Naga, Cebu and Tacloban.
PAL and CEB said that affected passengers will be booked on the next available flights.
Passengers may also avail themselves of the following options:
– Rebook flights within 30 days without penalties
– Refund tickets in full
– Store value of the ticket in a Travel Fund for future use.
They are already being notified through the contact details they have provided at the time of their booking.
For additional concerns, customers are advised to message PAL and Cebu Pacific via Facebook or direct lines.
“We appeal for patience and understanding as we manage flights amidst inclement weather conditions. The safety of all is our foremost priority,” PAL and CEB said in separate statements.
The storm can have a “high humanitarian impact,” the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System said on its website, putting a population of 8 million at risk.
More than 60,000 people were asked to leave their homes in Bicol region, authorities said.
The Philippines is hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games that will run through Dec. 11. Organizers have said contingency plans are in place should the event face disruption.
Bloomberg News with Recto Mercene
Image credits: https://www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH