Tropical Depression Wilma, combined with the effects of the shearline, has caused significant disruption across the Bicol Region, prompting hundreds of evacuations and leaving more than 4,000 passengers stranded at regional ports.
The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) reported Saturday that relentless rain and rough sea conditions are the primary cause of the widespread impact.
A total of 96 families, comprising 275 individuals, were forced to seek safety in evacuation centers. Most of the displaced residents—262 individuals—were from Masbate province, with a smaller number of 13 evacuees recorded in Catanduanes.
Maritime travel has come to a near standstill, with 4,142 passengers unable to depart from various ports across the region. The highest concentration of stranded travelers was reported in Sorsogon, followed by Masbate, Albay, and Camarines Norte.
The disruption in operations also grounded 1,132 rolling cargoes, two vessels, and two motorbancas.
The severe weather also triggered flooding in five villages across Albay and Camarines Sur.
Meanwhile, key village roads in areas like Guinobatan and Nabua, Camarines Sur, became impassable, affecting 18 villages overall.
In an effort to alleviate the situation for stranded travelers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol immediately deployed assistance.
DSWD teams distributed hundreds of boxes of ready-to-eat food (RTEF) and served hot meals to passengers waiting at key ports, including Pio Duran in Albay and Matnog and Castilla in Sorsogon.
