111 tourists stranded by ‘Karding’ in Calaguas now safe

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The 111 tourists reported stranded on Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte province are all safe and well, an official of the Department of Tourism in Bicol (DOT-5) said Monday.

Herbie Aguas, DOT-Bicol director, said all the guests are now in mainland Camarines Norte and bound to go home.

“The tourists were taken care of by their operators during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding on Sunday. They stayed in their rooms and were able to contact their families as there is paid internet in Calaguas,” Aguas said in a message to the media.

He thanked the tourism officer of Camarines Norte and all who helped to ensure the safety of the visitors.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) said all tropical cyclone wind signals in Bicol have been lifted.

“Sea trips in all major ports, especially in Matnog, Tabaco, and Pilar ports have resumed,” Gremil Alexis Naz, OCD Bicol spokesperson, said in an interview.

He said a total of 336 families or 1,420 individuals from the province of Camarines Norte sheltered at 41 evacuation centers have started decampment. (PNA)