Tacloban extends classes suspension due to flooding

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 16 (PNA) –- The city government has extended the suspension of classes here until Tuesday as heavy downpour caused flooding in low-lying villages, including some parts of the city’s downtown.

Mayor Cristina Romualdez issued on Monday afternoon a new executive order suspending classes in elementary and secondary schools in the city on Tuesday. The directive came a few hours after the local government issued the same order before noon on Monday.

“As precautionary measure and in anticipation of any developments that may arise out of the weather disturbance, it is expedient to implement a localized cancellation or suspension of classes,” the order stated.

As of late Monday afternoon, the city government reported eight inundated areas with floodwater as high as three meters. Some roads along downtown area have been impassable to light cars and motorcycles.

Although the low pressure area in Eastern Samar had already dissipated on Monday noon, rains persist in Eastern Visayas region due to northeast monsoon and tail end of a cold front.

Romualdez assured city residents that the local government is constantly monitoring all weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The mayor has instructed the city disaster risk reduction and management office to monitor the situation and conduct pre-emptive evacuation in flood prone and landslide prone areas if needed.

The heavy downpour in the region since Sunday prompted local officials to suspend classes on Monday in some parts of Leyte, Ormoc City, Eastern Samar, and Southern Leyte. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/LAAA