Heavy rainfall warning with possible serious flooding and landslides prompted the suspension of classes at all levels in various local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental yesterday.

As of 2:00 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued red, orange and yellow warnings in the province as the shear line prevails over the Visayas.

Starting at noon, the cities of Bago and La Carlota as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona declared cancellation of classes.

Other LGUs, including this highly urbanized city and the neighboring cities of Talisay and Silay, announced the suspension of classes in the morning.

In its latest heavy rainfall warning, Pagasa Visayas Regional Services Division hoisted a red warning, which means serious flooding is expected in Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Bago, La Carlota as well as in the cities of Victorias, Cadiz, Escalante, San Carlos.

Similar warning was raised in the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Toboso, Manapla, Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, Murcia, Pulupandan, Valladolid, and San Enrique.

For a red warning, associated hazards are serious flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

Orange warning in Himamaylan City, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Isabela, and Binalbagan means flooding is threatening in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.

Flooding is possible under a yellow warning in the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay, as well as in the towns of Hinoba-an, Candoni, Ilog, and Cauayan.

In an advisory, the Negros Occidental Operations Center urged the public and the disaster risk reduction and management offices to monitor the weather conditions and watch for the next warning. (PNA)