Passengers in Batangas Port stranded for 24 hours due to Kristine

About 200 passengers have been stranded at the Batangas Port as trips were suspended due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In Chino Gaston’s "24 Oras" report on Wednesday, the rain falls diagonally due to the strength of the wind from the sea.

The waves were hitting the pier, and the water reached the front of the passenger terminal and parking area.

Amid the rough seas, a vessel was seen over the massive waves.

No vessels were docked at the Batangas Port as it was dangerous due to the strong winds and rough coastal conditions.

It may soon be dangerous for the stranded passengers to stay at the port if the situation worsens later in the evening.

About 240 stranded passengers are taking shelter at the terminal. Even if the situation is against international standards, that is, to keep passengers at the ferry terminal during a storm.

However, since the stranded passengers had no shelter, they were allowed to enter and stay in the terminal.

“Bagamat pinayagan sila pumasok kahit na beyond the standards ng ports kasi may inclement weather, may direktiba naman ang top management na mag ready i-evacuate in case na lumakas at lalo tumaas ang alon kasi posible talagang pumasok dito,” said Batangas Port Manager, Joselito Sinocruz.

(Despite they were allowed to enter the port beyond the port standards due to the inclement weather, the top management has a directive to prepare evacuation in case the wave gets stronger and higher because it is could to enter here.)

Doors at the terminal were tied and blocked since the glass doors were shaking due to the string wind.

Some stranded passengers expressed concern over the inclement weather.

“Nangangamba talaga kasi kahapon ko pa gusto talaga umuwi sa amin pero hindi kami nakauwi,” a senior citizen said.

(I’m worried because I wanted to home since yesterday but we cannot go home.)

“Okay lang basta may kinkain kami dito,” another passenger said.

(It’s okay as long we have food.)

Earlier this afternoon, the stranded passengers were transferred to the back of the terminal building and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is looking for a place to accommodate them since normal operations would return by Friday or Saturday. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News