DAVAO CITY – Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental canceled classes on all levels on Thursday, January 18, due to adverse weather from the shear line.
In an advisory from the Davao de Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Facebook, Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga authorized municipal mayors in the province to suspend classes and work.
Gonzaga said the mayors should decide based on their weather assessment in their areas of responsibility (AOR). She added that residents must adhere to the guidance of local authorities in response to the evaluation.
In Davao Oriental, Lupon Mayor Erlinda D. Lim issued Executive Order No. 7, Series of 2024, suspending classes on all levels in private and public schools. Work among government employees was also canceled following the yellow warning rainfall advisory in the province.
The yellow warning signal warns of potential flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said community awareness is crucial due to the weather system.
Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil-Rabat issued Executive Order No. 11, Series of 2024, suspending classes on all levels in private and public schools and work among government employees from January 18 to January 19.
“The continuous moderate to heavy rainfall affecting the Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao region, caused by the shear line since January 17, Wednesday evening, may cause possible flash floods or landslides as per the weather forecast,” Rabat said.
According to Presidential Executive Order No. 66, issued in 2012, local chief executives have the authority to suspend classes and government office work when there are no typhoon signals from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The LGUs issued the class and government office work suspension as precautionary and safety measure on the possible effects of the continuous heavy rains affecting the Davao region. Private offices and institutions are encouraged to do the same on their discretion.
PAGASA said in its weather advisory at around 8:35 a.m. Thursday that flooding is possible in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions affect Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, moderate with occasionally heavy rains were experienced over Bukidnon, Davao City, and Davao del Norte, and may affect nearby areas. Light to moderate rains are experienced over Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and nearby regions.