DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 January) – At least 39 localities in the Davao region, including this city, suspended classes in public and private schools as of 7:55 a.m. Tuesday due to heavy rains since Monday night, which triggered flooding in some areas.
The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City suspended classes in all levels in both public and private educational institutions through an advisory issued at 6:13 a.m. Tuesday.
The Davao City LGU advised all national and local government offices in the city to observe work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, including government-owned and controlled corporations, except for offices performing public safety and security, health, social services, and disaster and emergency response services.
Private offices and establishments were given the discretion to suspend work or adopt WFH arrangements, and are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees, the advisory said.
The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office placed the Bunawan River under beyond Code Red (beyond critical level) at 6:14 a.m. It advised residents living near the river to evacuate to safer grounds.
As of 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Talomo River was considered under Code Orange (warning level) and the Davao River at Code Yellow (alert level).
The water levels in the Lipadas and Matina River were gradually increasing as of 7:30 a.m., the city disaster office said.
Apart from the aforementioned rivers, the other rivers remain safe or at the normal level, it added.
In Davao de Oro, all its municipalities – Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan – declared a suspension of classes for public and private schools in all levels Tuesday.
Classes were also suspended in Mati City and the municipalities of Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Cateel, Lupon, and San Isidro in Davao Oriental.
Due to the bad weather condition, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government, excluding offices providing health, emergency and response services, across the province.
In Davao Occidental, classes in all levels were suspended in Sta. Maria, Malita, and Don Marcelino towns.
In Davao del Sur, classes were ordered suspended in the municipalities of Sta. Cruz (not all schools), Matanao, Malalag, Magsaysay, Bansalan (implemented blended learning), and Padada.
In its 24-hour public weather forecast issued at 4 a.m. Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that a shear line is affecting the northern and eastern portions of Mindanao.
Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected in Northern Mindanao, Caraga and the Davao region, the state weather forecaster said.
Pagasa warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains and strong winds coming from the northeast. (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)
