529 tourists stranded, 14 sites damaged due to Kristine —DOT

A total of 529 tourists stranded in different parts of the country due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine have been assisted by the Department of Tourism.

In a statement Friday, DOT said as of 12 a.m. October 25, it provided assistance to 264 tourists in Surigao del Norte; 179 in Batanes; 33 in Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque; 25 in Maasin; 16 in Mauban, Quezon, and Lobo, Batangas; and 12 in Boracay.

At least 14 tourist sites, including those in Sorsogon, Masbate, Batangas, and the Dinagat Islands, sustained damage due to the typhoon, according to DOT.

The agency provided temporary shelters to the affected travelers. DOT likewise maintained close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and government agencies to ensure immediate assistance to the tourists. 

It is also verifying reports of stranded tourists in Northern Luzon and the Bicol Region.

“The DOT is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our local and foreign tourists affected by Tropical Storm Kristine,” Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

“We are closely coordinating with our regional offices, LGUs, and other government agencies to provide immediate assistance to stranded tourists. The DOT stands ready to extend all necessary support during this time," she added. 

The DOT advised affected tourists to reach out to their Tourist Assistance Agents through mobile: 0995-835-5155; Facebook: Department of Tourism – Philippines page; e-mail:  touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; and Click2Call and Live Webchat: beta.tourism.gov.ph

The agency said it is also looking for ways to possibly assist not only the tourists but also tourism workers and establishments impacted by the storm.

"In addition to assisting tourists, we are also preparing to extend support to displaced tourism workers who may have been affected by this storm. As we continue to assess the damage to tourist sites and businesses, the DOT is ready to mobilize resources to help our tourism frontliners as well as tourism establishments recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm," said Frasco.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News