• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Classes at all levels on Nov. 10 and 11 in Negros Island Region, including the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, have been suspended in view of super typhoon “Uwan”.
The NIR, composed of Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, is among the areas in the Visayas still under Signal No. 1, based on the latest weather bulletin at 5 p.m. Nov. 9.
Per Memorandum Circular 106 of the Office of the President, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin Nov. 9, work in government offices in the National Capital
Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and VIII has been suspended Nov. 10; while classes at all levels in these regions, as well as in the NIR, and regions VI and VII are suspended Nov. 10-11.
Agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational, the memo said. “To further ensure continuity of essential government functions, all other government agencies in these regions may implement alternate work arrangements, as may be necessary…”
As early as Nov. 7, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ordered the preemptive evacuation of persons and families in high-risk areas in view of “Uwan”, even as Negrenses are still reeling from the widespread devastation left behind by typhoon Tino that struck Nov. 4.
The DOST-PAGASA said that, as of 4 p.m. yesterday, the center of the eye of super typhoon Uwan was estimated based on all available data, including those from Baler and Daet Doppler weather radars, at 110 km north of Daet, Camarines Norte, or 150 km east northeast of Infanta, Quezon.
It has maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 230 km/h, and central pressure of 935 hPa, with strong to typhoon-force winds extending outwards up to 900 km from the center.
Several areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are under tropical cyclone wind signals, and storm surges and heavy rainfall advisories have also been issued.
Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials, the weather bureau said. | CGC
