At least six local government units (LGUs) in northern Negros Occidental canceled classes yesterday because of heavy rains expected to continue due to the shear line affecting the eastern section of the Visayas and the northern monsoon affecting Luzon.

Those that suspended classes at all levels are the towns of E.B. Magalona, Manapla, Calatrava, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Class suspension in Cadiz City covers elementary and secondary levels.

In Sagay City, the Department of Education (DepEd) recommended that learners in island, river and coastal areas stay home and refrain from going to school “if the conditions constitute any harm, risk or danger.”

“The DepEd-Sagay City commits to prioritize everyone’s safety,” schools division superintendent Marsette Sabaluca said in a statement.

In separate advisories, Cadiz City said the suspension of classes is “due to continuous heavy rainfall.”

E.B. Magalona cited “inclement weather caused by shear line and trough of low-pressure area” and advised residents to brace for floods expected in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

According to the 24-hour local weather forecast issued yesterday morning, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will have “cloudy skies and scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by shear line.”

The northern Negros towns of Manapla, Toboso, Calatrava, and Don Salvador Benedicto, and the cities of Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante, and San Carlos can expect light to moderate with, at times, heavy rains. (PNA)