Tropical Storm Ada displaced close to 300 people and brought widespread disruption to sea travel, leaving nearly 8,800 passengers stranded in ports across the country as weather conditions deteriorated on Saturday, January 17.
Authorities are also verifying reports of two fatalities in Matnog, Sorsogon, allegedly caused by a landslide triggered by the storm.
Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that as of 8 a.m. on January 17, at least 120 families or 297 individuals were affected in the Caraga region, particularly in Agusan del Norte.
Three evacuation centers were activated in the province to accommodate displaced residents.
The NDRRMC said it is still confirming reports that two individuals were killed when a landslide struck Barangay Bariis in Matnog shortly after midnight.
“[It’s] still [being] validated,” NDRRMC information officer Diego Mariano said.
Heavy rains also caused flooding in 12 areas across Buenavista, Remedios T. Romualdez, and Tubay in Agusan del Norte, as well as in Butuan City. Landslides were reported in the towns of Jabonga and Kitcharao, while one house in Buenavista was partially damaged.
Power outages were recorded in Tubay, Agusan del Norte; Carmen, Surigao del Sur; and San Jose, Dinagat Islands.
Sea travel was severely affected, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reporting the suspension of operations in 40 ports across Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Bicol, and Northeastern Mindanao.
As of noon, 8,827 passengers, 3,089 rolling cargoes, 24 vessels, and seven motorboats were stranded. In addition, 72 vessels and 35 motorbancas sought shelter as a precaution against rough seas.
Class suspensions from pre-school to tertiary levels were implemented in 76 cities and municipalities across Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga. Three families composed of 11 individuals were also preemptively evacuated in Libio, Dinagat Islands.
Relief assistance worth ₱154,880 has been distributed to affected families, while food packs were provided to stranded passengers at Eva Macapagal Port and Lipata Port in Surigao City.