LEGAZPI CITY —- The Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has suspended classes in preschool and elementary across the province for Thursday, December 14, as disaster authorities brace for heavy rains spawned by Tropical Depression (TD) Urduja.
Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said the suspension of classes is a standard public safety and disaster avoidance measure to achieve a zero-casualty goal during disaster events.
“As Tropical Depression Urduja continues to move towards the Bicol region affecting the province of Albay with moderate to heavy rains, classes in pre-school and elementary levels are suspended,” Bichara said.
Local disaster councils in the 15 towns and three cities were likewise advised to be on high alert and to prepare residents in low lying and landslide-prone areas for possible evacuation.
Residents were warned not to cross swelling rivers, and artificial pools of water while those living near mountain slopes were advised to take precautionary measures for possible landslides.
Meanwhile, in the province of Sorsogon, Gov. Robert Lee Rodrigueza ordered the suspension of classes from December 14 to 15 (Thursday and Friday).
TD Urduja is expected to make landfall on Saturday over the island province of Visayas and Luzon particularly Samar/Leyte provinces and the Bicol region as per Philippine Atmosphere Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) advisory.
“To prevent loss of life and injury to school children, everyone is directed to exercise precautions to avert any effect of the impending hazard,” Rodrigueza said. (PNA)
