PAGASA Eyes Radar to Address Stranded Passengers in Ports

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas is eyeing a possible solution to address the problem of stranded passengers in ports at the height of a weather disturbance.

In a press conference held in line with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month on July, PAGASA Visayas Chief Engr. Oscar Tabada said that a coastal radar that can gather data on the state of the sea up to 300 km range would be the best solution on stranded passengers.

“What we want to emphasize here, even if there is a storm signal expected for the next 36 hours and then sea vessels are not allowed to sail, the coastal radar will examine and look at the condition of the sea. If the sea water is calm, then vessels are allowed to navigate.”

Currently, when a public storm signal is raised by the state weather bureau, all sea vessels are not allowed to navigate regardless of its weight.

Tabada also clarified that the travel time of the vessels will be strictly examined so as not to allow those travelling more than six hours to avoid risk of the possibility of being caught by the storm while in the middle of the sea.

He said they are currently looking for an area where to install the coastal radar, such as in the southern part of Cebu across the sea to Negros Oriental that will only take about 45 minutes to one hour of travel. (rmn/ays/PIA7)