• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is on blue alert, as of 7:25 p.m. Sept. 1, even as at least four local government units in Negros Occidental suspended in-person classes in all levels, both public and private schools, today, Sept. 2, due to Tropical Depression Enteng.
The Bacolod DRRMO said it has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System due to “Enteng” and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
The LGUs of E.B. Magalona, Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinoba-an, and San Carlos, meanwhile, suspended the Sept. 2 face-to-face classes, as “Enteng” maintained strength and was about to make landfall, or pass very close to Catanduanes, as of the 8 p.m. bulletin of the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon ordered the shifting to a modular modality of learning, in all levels, both in public and private schools, due to expected heavy rains and strong winds, brought by “Enteng”.
The public is further advised to brace for flooding in low-lying areas, and landslides in mountainous areas, the LGU Public Information Office said. “The public is strongly advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to storm surges, floods, and landslides are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from MDRRMO and local officials.”
Mayor Renato Gustilo said that, “in the interest of everyone’s safety, we are suspending all in-person or face-to-face classes at the elementary and secondary levels in both public and private schools in San Carlos City Sept. 2”.
This decision comes in light of the potential impacts of the southwest monsoon, which is being intensified by a nearby low-pressure area. “I urge all residents, especially those in flood and landslide-prone areas, to take every necessary precaution. Stay safe and look out for one another during this time. Let us all remain vigilant and prioritize our well-being,” the mayor said.
The Don Salvador LGU also issued a similar advisory as the town is under the yellow rainfall warning level. “This advisory was already coordinated with Julius Oberes, district supervisor of DSB. All are advised to take precautionary measures.”
Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Reliquias likewise issued an executive order for the temporary suspension of classes at all levels, public and private schools, including work of teaching and non-teaching personnel…until further notice, and to shift to alternative delivery mode.
The weather bureau said that “Enteng” has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 70 km/h, and central pressure of 1000 hPa.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in effect over Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northeastern portion of Leyte, all in the Visayas; as well as the eastern portion of Cagayan, eastern portion of Isabela, southern portion of Quirino, southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, northern and southern portion of Quezon, including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands, in Luzon.
The enhanced southwest monsoon will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over Negros Island Region, Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, Caraga Region, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula, among others, until tonight, Sept. 2, the PAG-ASA added. | CGC
