Typhoon Betty prompts suspension of Boracay water sports, fishing, some trips

AKLAN, Philippines – Water sports activities, fishing, and certain trips to and from Boracay resort island have been suspended by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) due to the potential threat of Typhoon Betty (Mawar).

Betty, the country’s second tropical cyclone for the year, is anticipated to impact parts of Northern Luzon in the final days of May. While it is unlikely to make landfall, the typhoon poses risks of heavy rain, flooding, and landslides as it strengthens the southwest monsoon.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Val Ernie Daitao, PCG-Aklan station commander, said the decision was based on the advisory issued by the state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), at 5 am on Monday, May 29. It issued a later advisory at 11 am.

PAGASA’s advisory warned about gale force winds affecting the southern seaboard of Southern Luzon and the western seaboard of the Visayas, particularly Aklan.

Daitao announced the cancellation of all motorboat trips from Caticlan’s Jetty Port to Hambil Port in San Jose, Romblon, and Santa Fe Port, another island in Romblon. All water sports activities in Boracay were also canceled on Monday.

The Coast Guard also urged fishermen to avoid venturing out to sea to prevent accidents.

According to another advisory from PAGASA issued at 11 am, Typhoon Betty has slightly decelerated while moving northwestward off the waters of Cagayan province. Betty was categorized as a super typhoon when it reached its peak intensity. It is the first super typhoon of the year.

On Saturday, May 27, the Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council raised the alert level throughout Western Visayas in anticipation of the typhoon’s impact. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called for a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting leading to the decision.

The region has been placed under “Bravo Emergency Preparedness” level, indicating a medium-risk category.

All disaster risk reduction and management offices in the region have been instructed to remain vigilant and prepared for emergency situations. – Rappler.com