Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) prohibited the operations and trips of small sea vessels in the ports along the eastern seaboard of Sorsogon province and the northern coast of Camarines Sur on Thursday. The PCG offices of both provinces issued separate advisories suspending sailing of all watercraft with a gross tonnage of 250 or less due to strong to gale-force winds associated with the northeast monsoon. Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, with wave heights ranging from 3.1 meters to 4.5 meters.

According to Philippines News Agency, the eastern coast of Sorsogon province covers the towns of Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, and Sorsogon City, while the northern coast of Camarines Sur includes Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitonera, and Caramoan. While larger vessels are not banned from sailing, the PCG has advised them to exercise caution due to the potential for significant wave activity.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) reminded the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices to monitor the weather conditions, stay updated with the weather bureau’s advisories, and monitor low-lying areas for possible flood and rain-induced landslides. Classes were also suspended at all levels, both public and private schools in various towns and cities in Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes are suspended.