- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez extended the cancellation of classes in all levels as well as work in city government offices until today, July 26, due to Super Typhoon Egay.
EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon also announced that work in government offices, including national government agencies, in the municipality is still suspended due to continued heavy rains and strong winds brought by “Egay”.
However, offices whose functions involve providing essential public services as well as those in disaster and emergency management, like the MDRRMO Rescue, MSWDO, Municipal Health Office, General Services Office, PNP, and BFP, shall continue with their operations, Malacon said.
Benitez, in Executive Order 34 issued Tuesday, noted that “there are many flooded barangays in Bacolod City due to the 28.7mm accumulated heavy rainfall from 8 p.m. July 24 to 2 p.m. July 25, as recorded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, brought about by the inclement weather and the overflow of major rivers in the City”.
The City Public Information Office said 999 families, composed of 3,378 individuals, from more than 15 barangays were housed in about 20 evacuation centers, as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Benitez said that upon further evaluation, the CDRRM Council issued Resolution No. 12, recommending the cancellation of classes in all levels, and suspension of work in city government offices, except those that render essential services during disasters.
“Super Typhoon Egay continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will continue to bring heavy rains and gusty weather conditions in the Visayas, thereby increasing the risks of flooding and rain-induced landslides over various areas of Bacolod,” the EO said, citing the PAGASA advisory.
The weather bureau said in its 8 p.m. bulletin that “Egay” continued to maintain its strength as it threatens northern Luzon.
Wind Signal No. 5 has been hoisted over Babuyan Islands, and many other areas in Luzon are also under tropical cyclone wind signals, the PAGASA said.
The super typhoon and enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring gusty conditions over areas not under any wind signal, but located in coastal and upland/mountainous places exposed to winds, including Luzon and Visayas today, and Luzon and Western Visayas on Thursday.
“Sea travel is risky for most vessels. All mariners are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside,” the weather bulletin said, adding that the center of the eye was estimated based on all available data at 135 km east northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, and moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
“Egay”, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 230 km/h, is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning./CGC
