Negros Oriental suspended government work and all classes on Friday, February 6, as the province prepares for Tropical Storm “Basyang’s” expected arrival.

Governor Manuel Sagarbarria said the provincial disaster council is preparing for a worst-case scenario, with manpower, food packs and equipment prepositioned.

During a council meeting yesterday, he clarified that the province cannot mandate private sector closures.

“Our authority is just limited to the government. Thus, it is up to the management of the private sector companies and establishments to make the decision to cancel work on Friday,” Sagarbarria said.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been raised over the capital and parts of central and southern Negros Oriental.

The weather bureau forecast heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 millimeters on Friday, warning of possible flooding and landslides.

Police, coast guard, army, and fire protection personnel are on standby for disaster response. Public hospitals are prepared as emergency charging stations, and family food packs have been prepositioned.

The governor urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed calls for preemptive evacuation. (PNA)