• CHERYL G. CRUZ / GILBERT P. BAYORAN
At least 13 local government units in Negros Occidental suspended classes today, Sept. 13, due to expected heavy rains brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca.
Mayor Rex Jalando-on ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools in La Carlota City, and called on La Carloteños to stay safe, vigilant, and prepared, its Public Information Office announced last night.
Mayor John Rey Tabujara of Cauayan also announced the cancellation of classes in the municipality, due to the trough of “Bebinca” and enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, that could bring heavy to intense rains.
In Sipalay, Mayor Gina Lizares suspended classes, both in public and private schools, from Sept. 12 and 13.
Mayor Marvin Malacon, meanwhile, directed a shift to modular modality of learning, in all levels, both public and private schools, in E. B. Magalona Sept. 13, and advised residents to brace for possible flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.
“Work in government offices, however, shall continue,” the LGU’s PIO posted.
Other LGUs that suspended classes, as of press time, were Pulupandan, Isabela, Binalbagan, Hinoba-an, Candoni, Hinigaran, Kabankalan, Himamaylan, and Bago.
“Bebinca” has maintained its strength while moving northward over the Philippine Sea, or at 1,975-km east of Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 115 km/h, and central pressure of 990 hPa, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its latest bulletin at about noon Sept. 12.
Strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 580-kilometer from the center. “In the next 24 hours, the enhanced southwest monsoon will bring moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Mindanao, Palawan, and Visayas. Small seacrafts, including all types of motor bancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions,” the bulletin added.
“Bebinca” will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon, and forecast to intensify into a typhoon tonight, the DOST-PAG-ASA said, and called on the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices to continue monitoring for updates and to always stay vigilant. | CGC, GB
