• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Manjuyod Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya has suspended the Jan. 16 classes at all levels, both public and private, in the town as a proactive measure against Tropical Storm (TS) Ada, with several areas across the country already under Signal No. 1.
“Ada” is expected to bring adverse weather conditions that may affect the municipality of Manjuyod, the mayor said in Executive Order 04-S2026 dated Jan. 15, noting that “pupils/students, teaching and non-teaching personnel, especially those who are residing/assigned/passers-by in locations prone to flashflood, landslide, and falling trees/branches are at risk.”
The suspension of classes and work, and the shifting to modular distance learning is a proactive measure to ensure public safety, the EO stressed.
Per the 5 p.m. bulletin of DOST-PAGASA Jan. 15, the center of TS Ada was estimated based on all available data at 400 km east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 80 km/h, and central pressure of 998 hPa.
Strong to gale-force winds extend outwards up to 400 km from the center, the weather bureau said.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in effect over Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, the eastern portion of Biliran, the eastern portion of Leyte, and the eastern portion of Southern Leyte, in the Visayas; Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao; and the eastern portion of Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, the eastern portion of Albay, and Catanduanes in Luzon.
“Ada” may pass close to Eastern Samar and Northern Samar by Saturday, and Catanduanes by Sunday. “A further westward shift in the forecast track may result in a possible landfall over Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region. It is forecast to gradually intensify while moving over the Philippine Sea over the next 48 hours, before gradually weakening as it turns northeastward over the east of Catanduanes.”
Andaya ordered the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, municipal and barangay officials, government employees, and residents to follow disaster protocols and be prepared for any eventuality. | CGC
