Fishing, tourism activities in Aurora halted due to TS Kristine

The inclement weather caused by Tropical Storm Kristine has affected the fishing and tourism activities in the province of Aurora.

According to Katrina Son’s report in 24 Oras on Tuesday, the province is currently under Alert Status Blue, which means that the emergency operations center is open 24 hours.

Fisherfolk have been preparing since Monday as they help one another push their bancas back to shore and securely tie them amid the strong winds and waves caused by the tropical storm.

“Marami nang nasira dito, nitong nakaraang bagyo lang na malakas, halos tatlong bangka nawasak dyan. Mag-iingat na talaga kasi mahirap yung mag-pundar, mahal din ang bangka kahit papaano kahit kahoy lang,” said fisherman Jojo Montessa.

(Many have been destroyed here. During the last storm, around three boats were destroyed. We need to be careful now because boats are expensive even if they are just made of wood.)

But they have already stopped fishing for almost two weeks amid the strong waves.

“Mahirap din po magtapang-tapangan sa laot,” said fisherman Rommel Mapindan. “Kahit ganito na matagalan mag sakripisyo na lang muna, kaysa naman buhay ang i-sakripisyo.”

(We cannot pretend to be brave out in the water. Even if we need to sacrifice our livelihood for now, this is better than risking our lives.)

For now, the fisherfolk in the province are just waiting for “Kristine” to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility, which is forecasted to happen on Friday.

Aside from fishermen, the tropical storm has also affected the livelihood of those in the tourism industry.

“Kapag nandoon na po mahirap na pong intindihin yung sarili mo, tapos may estudyante ka pa. So kailangan safety ka muna,” said surfing instructor Alex Oporto.

(When you’re already in the water, it’s hard to look after yourself and your students. So it’s better to prioritize everyone’s safety first.)

Despite the rough weather, some surfers took advantage of the high ocean waves.

Meanwhile, the local disaster risk reduction and management office in Baler have met for a pre-disaster risk assessment.

“‘Yung mga fisherman, kahapon pa nag-remind na tayo through our municipal agriculturist office na i-remind na yung ating mga fisherman at kung nasa laot sila, by all means, pauwin na sila dahil may kalakasan itong bagyo,” said MDRRMO officer-in-charge Hector Dela Torre.

(We already told our municipal agriculturist office to remind the fishermen to stay in their homes because this storm is strong.)

The local government of Baler has already prepared the evacuation sites and rescue equipment.

Aurora is currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. The state weather bureau said that “Kristine” is expected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News