By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz 

MANILA — Thousands of individuals are stranded in ports across the country as Typhoon Odette continued to bring strong winds and heavy rains on Thursday. In its latest maritime safety advisory, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said a total of 4,358 passengers, drivers, and cargo workers are stranded in ports in Bicol, Central Visayas, northeastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas. The PCG said 1,969 rolling cargoes, 90 vessels, and nine motor bancas are also stranded in these areas. “Moreover, 254 vessels and 137 motor bancas are taking shelter as a precautionary measure against the possible threat of the typhoon,” it added. In Bicol, moderate to rough seas caused 1,533 individuals to be stranded, along with 581 rolling cargoes, 11 vessels, and two motor bancas. In Central Visayas, moderate to rough seas resulted in 320 stranded individuals, along with 311 rolling cargoes, 11 vessels, and six motor bancas. In northeastern Mindanao, there are rough seas and 37 stranded individuals, four rolling cargoes, and two vessels. In Eastern Visayas, sea conditions remain rough with 1,010 stranded individuals, 554 rolling cargoes, and four vessels. And in Western Visayas, sea conditions have become light to moderate with 1,458 stranded individuals, 519 rolling cargoes, 31 vessels, and one motor banca. In its 2 p.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of the eye of “Odette” was around Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. It had maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 240 kph per hour, and central pressure of 915 hectopascals. It was moving west-northwestward at 30 kph and is expected to be in the vicinity of Sibonga, Cebu by 11 p.m. on Thursday. (PNA)