Municipality of Atok Temporarily Suspends Tourism Activities Due to Tropical Storm Kristine

In response to the threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Kristine, the Municipal Government of Atok has issued Executive Order No. 2024-51, temporarily suspending all tourism activities in the municipality from October 22 to October 26, 2024, or until weather conditions improve. The move is aimed at ensuring the safety of both local and foreign tourists, as well as personnel working in the tourism sector.

Basis of the Order

The order, signed by Municipal Mayor Franklin L. Smith, was issued on October 22, 2024, following weather forecasts and advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Tropical Cyclone Kristine, currently a tropical depression, was last located 780 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. With maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness reaching 70 km/h, the cyclone is forecast to intensify further over the coming days.

According to PAGASA’s Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 03, issued at 5:00 PM on October 21, 2024, Kristine is expected to move west-southwestward through October 22 before shifting to a west-northwestward direction. The cyclone is projected to make landfall over Northern Luzon between Thursday evening, October 24, and Friday morning, October 25. PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of Kristine developing into a severe tropical storm or even a typhoon as it approaches land.

As a result of these forecasts, the Cordillera Administrative Region, which includes Benguet, is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall from October 22 to October 24, 2024. The heavy rain raises concerns about potential flooding and landslides, further reinforcing the decision to halt tourism activities for the duration of the storm’s impact. The duration of the suspension will be from October 22 to October 26, 2024 or until weather conditions improve and the effects of TS Kristine no longer pose a threat.

Safety and Security of Visitors

“The safety and security of visitors and tourism personnel are our utmost priority,” Mayor Smith stated in the executive order. “This temporary suspension will remain in effect until it is safe for travel, and the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Kristine no longer pose a threat.”

The local government urges residents and visitors to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions as the storm progresses. Tourism operations will resume once the weather condition improves and all affected roads are cleared for safe travel.