Floods, landslide reported in Luzon, Visayas due to Kristine

Some areas in Luzon and Visayas have already experienced flooding and landslide as Tropical Storm Kristine moved closer to land, according to Unang Balita reports on Tuesday.

In Apayao, landslide blocked a road in Calanasan amid heavy rains but is now passable after a clearing operation, EJ Gomez reported.

Strong winds, meanwhile, were experienced in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, signaling the incoming storm. Some farmers harvested their crops early to avoid losses.

In Oas, Albay, farmers also harvested their crops early, while heavy rains and floods were reported in Pili, Camarines Sur.

According to John Consulta's report, authorities are monitoring flood prone areas in Camarines Sur, which was affected by Tropical Cyclone Enteng in September.

In Negros Occidental, some residents were rescued from neck-deep floods and brought to evacuation centers. The floods also caused heavy traffic in the province.

In Barangay Taculing, a tree fell near a house due to the strong winds. The two senior citizens living there were safe.

Meanwhile in Tagbilaran, Bohol, residents had to walk through floodwaters on their way home as some vehicles were submerged in flood.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Kristine affected the operations in 34 ports.

Due to this, a total of 3,418 passengers including truck drivers and cargo helpers, 679 rolling cargoes, 26 vessels, and 11 motorbancas were stranded. Also, 54 vessels and 67 motorbancas were taking shelter for now.

Most of the stranded persons were in Eastern Visayas with 2,027, followed by Bicol with 1,229, and Southern Tagalog with 162. 

State weather bureau PAGASA said Kristine intensified into a tropical storm on Tuesday as it continued moving westward.

Kristine (international name: Trami) was last located 390 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

The tropical storm, which was moving westward at 15 km/h, is expected to make landfall over Isabela as a severe tropical storm on Wednesday evening. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News