2,500 passengers stranded in Manila North Port due to 'Kabayan'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 19) — At least 2,500 passengers remain stranded at Manila North Port Terminal as vessels are barred from sailing due to Kabayan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.

The PCG earlier reported the number of stranded passengers at 5,400 on Monday at 12:55 p.m. The figure stated in the post was edited after four hours.

According to the PCG, the 2,500 passengers are bound for the cities of Cebu, Butuan, Tagbilaran, and Cagayan de Oro.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) downgraded Kabayan into a low pressure area — lifting storm signals previously raised over various parts of the country.

But the state weather bureau warned that the shear line, coinciding with the passage of Kabayan, may still bring heavy rainfall over the eastern portion of southern Luzon.

The surge of the northeast monsoon will also bring gusty conditions for the next two days over parts of Luzon and the Visayas, PAGASA added.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that around 6,700 individuals in Mindanao were displaced due to the effects of Kabayan and the shear line.