Typhoon Odette: DOTr suspends RORO travel to Visayas, Mindanao

Land travel of public and private vehicles to Visayas and Mindanao is temporarily suspended

Thinking of traveling to the Visayas and Mindanao via RoRo this week? Better postpone that trip to another date.

With Typhoon Odette set to make landfall over the Caraga-Eastern Visayas region by Thursday afternoon, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and massive waves are expected to make traveling via RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off Ferry) dangerous.

In light of this, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the suspension of land travel of both public and private vehicles to Visayas and Mindanao from the Bicol region effective immediately. Not only that, but the DOTr has also suspended land travel to Catanduanes and Masbate from the Bicol Region.

According to the DOTr, the order aims to prevent the congestion of vehicles along the Maharlika Highway and the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon, and all other parts in the Bicol Region. In addition, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said that the order suspending land travel to the affected areas will remain until the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is lifted.

“We need to be ready for this storm. Let us monitor closely and coordinate all action with all the other concerned government agencies so that those who are going home to their provinces to spend the Christmas holidays will be safe,” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.

If you don't need to go out this week, better hunker down and batten down the hatches as Typhoon Odette is expected to bring torrential rains and strong winds once it makes landfall.