103 tourists still stranded in Batanes due to Kristine's onslaught —DOT

The number of stranded tourists in Batanes due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine went down from 140 to 103 after 37 travelers were accommodated in two flights on Sunday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday. 

“The stranded individuals are all in Basco and are eventually expected to fly out of the island as soon as airline seats are able to accommodate all of them,” the DOT said in a statement.

“All other stranded tourists from previously reported areas all over the country were able to travel onwards to their respective destinations.” 

Aside from Batanes, the DOT earlier said that over 500 tourists were also stranded in other parts of the country such as in Surigao del Norte, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Maasin in Leyte, Mauban in Quezon, and Lobo in Batangas. 

Meanwhile, at least 14 tourist sites were also damaged by the tropical storm. 

Kristine exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on  October 25, leaving behind massive devastation and 116 reported fatalities. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/KBK, GMA Integrated News