• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya suspended the Jan. 5 classes in all levels, both public and private in the town, due to adverse effects of the shear line and heavy rains affecting the locality.
In Executive Order 01-2026 dated Jan. 4, Andaya ordered the shifting of classes to modular distance learning, and work suspension for non-teaching personnel.
“Manjuyod is currently experiencing adverse weather conditions, brought about by the shear line, which have resulted in flooding in several barangays, posing risks to the safety and welfare of students, teachers, and school personnel,” the mayor said in the EO.
The continuous rainfall has rendered some roads and school areas unsafe and inaccessible, hence the class suspension, Andaya said, adding that students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, especially those residing or assigned, or passing by areas prone to flashflood, landslide, and falling trees and branches are at risk.
He also tasked the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, municipal and barangay officials, government employees, and concerned others to follow disaster protocols.
The DOST-PAGASA said Jan. 4 that a shear line, or a boundary where two contrasting air masses meet, is affecting Visayas and the eastern section of southern Luzon, causing rainfall and thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall warning and flood advisories have been issued over the Negros Island Region and other areas.
In Negros Oriental, watercourses likely to be affected are rivers and tributaries, particularly in Tanjay, Siaton, and Bayawan.
People living near the mountains slopes and in low-lying areas of these river systems and the LDRRNMCs concerned are advised to take appropriate actions, the weather bureau said. | CGC
