By Alexander Lopez and Che Palicte | Philippine News Agency
Prevailing heavy rains brought about by the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) have prompted authorities and local government units (LGUs) in the Caraga region to suspend sea travels and school classes at all levels.
As of Wednesday morning, sea travels of vessels with 150 gross tonnages below plying the routes of Surigao del Norte to Dinagat Islands and other areas remain suspended
On the other hand, travels of sea vessels with 250 tonnages and below to Siargao Island are also suspended due to gale-force winds associated with the northeast monsoon.
This developed as most of the LGUs in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur have suspended classes both in public and private schools since Tuesday due to heavy rains.
“An increase in water level with a red warning signal in the riverine system of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur has been experienced causing major flooding in some barangays,” San Miguel Mayor Michael Corilla said in an order he issued on Wednesday morning.
Close monitoring activities are also being conducted by the respective Municipal and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMOs) especially in the river systems as water levels started to rise since Tuesday.
Residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding and landslides in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur are advised to be on alert and be ready for evacuation.
Davao region suspends work, classes
Meanwhile, various LGUs in the Davao region have also suspended classes and work due to the trough affecting Northern and Southern Mindanao.
The provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental have issued separate orders declaring the suspension of classes and work since early Wednesday for the safety of residents.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared suspension of classes in all levels of public and private schools and a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement is also adopted in all national and local government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations.
The order, however, excludes offices performing safety and security, health and social services, and disaster and emergency response services.
“Private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt WFH arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees,” Duterte said in the memorandum.
In Davao Oriental, at least 10 municipalities and Mati City have collectively suspended their classes and government and private offices.
The towns included Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro, Governor Generoso, Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Banganga, Cateel, and Boston.
In Davao del Sur, the municipalities that declared suspension of both work and classes included Matanao, Malalag, Bansalan, Sulop, Magsaysay, Sta. Cruz, Padada, Kiblawan, and Hagonoy.
Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas also ordered a WFH arrangement in all local and national government offices.