Negros Occidental’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office raised a heavy rainfall warning across the province, while some local government units canceled classes starting yesterday afternoon due to the threat of Tropical Depression (TD) “Crising.”

In its 5:00 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) heavy rainfall outlook due to “Crising” and the southwest monsoon indicated as “affecting all cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental.”

“The public and the disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to monitor the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued,” Pagasa said.

In Binalbagan, Mayor Emmanuel Aranda ordered the suspension of classes in all levels from Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18 “due to the issuance of orange rainfall warning by Pagasa and inclement weather conditions due to TD ‘Crising.’”

In neighboring Himamaylan City, Mayor Raymund Tongson suspended classes on Thursday, but said schools may shift to online or modular distance learning.

“Everyone is advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential outdoor activities,” Tongson said.

Hinigaran Mayor Grace Arceo likewise declared the suspension of classes in all levels on Thursday “in light of the prevailing disturbance brought by TD ‘Crising’ and the southwest monsoon.”

Classes were also canceled in La Castellana and Isabela on Thursday, based on the executive orders of Mayors Añejo Nicor and Miguel Yulo, respectively.

Down south in Hinoba-an, Mayor Daph Reliquias already suspended classes yesterday afternoon, while in Sipalay City, Mayor Ma. Gina Lizares canceled all classes for Thursday and Friday. (PNA)