Classes suspended in several localities
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a general flood advisory for the entire Western Visayas due to the enhanced southwest monsoon brought about by two weather disturbances currently located outside the country.
Based on a weather advisory issued yesterday, Tropical Depression “Josie” was last located 330 kilometers north northeast of Basco, Batanes, recording maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.
Aside from “Josie,” Tropical Storm “Ampil” (formerly Tropical Depression “Inday”) also brought strengthened monsoon rains and was last located 1,190 kilometers north of extreme northern Luzon, with maximum winds of 90 kph.
The Negros Occidental Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) also ordered the monitoring of major rivers and tributaries, particularly the Malogo, Sicaba, Grande, Himocaan, Danao, Upper Tyabanan, Sipalay, and Lower Ilog.
In response to the heavy rains, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III suspended classes at all levels in his city today.
In addition, both Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon also suspended classes in their respective municipalities.
Meanwhile, the Bago City DRRMO reported an estimated 79 households were evacuated in Barangay Lag-asan with respect to flooding concerns along the lower portion of the Bago River.
The city office also revealed a 25-year-old man, who has yet to be named, from the city’s Barangay Damutan went missing after he was reportedly swept away in an overflow.
Authorities are still conducting search and rescue operations for the missing individual.
Bacolod City DRRMO officer-in-charge Dondon Parandas said they have yet to monitor any flooding in the city, although the city’s rescue teams have been placed on standby.
City DRRMO personnel have also started preparing emergency equipment for possible evacuations and relief efforts.
As of press time, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has yet to announce if classes in the city will be suspended.
The PAGASA advisory also issued warnings for various waterways in all four Panay provinces./DGB, WDJ
