Severe tropical storm damages ships and impacts ports in Philippines

Widespread flooding and landslides set off by a tropical storm in Philippines on Thursday. The storm, locally known as tropical storm Kristine, has prompted a desperate rescue operation. Two vessels were reported to be in distress due to strong winds and huge waves amid the severe tropical storm.

The storm winds and waves impacted 124 ports. Early reports said 9,611 passengers / truck drivers /cargo helpers, 2,866 rolling cargoes, 110 vessels, and 33 motorbancas were stranded, while 315 vessels and 256 motorbancas were taking shelter due to the severe tropical storm.

The Philippine Coast Guard responded to a critical situation after MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 began drifting towards the multi-purpose berth at Batangas Port amid strong winds and large waves.

The coast issued an alert warning that the vessel was being dragged by the severe weather conditions toward the berth.

They were reporting that “due to tropical storm Kristine’s powerful winds and waves, the vessel’s anchor broke, causing it to drift close to the port.”

The Coast Guard working with the vessel’s owners dispatched a tugboat. Towing operations however were aborted, PCG said,