#WALANGPASOK: Malacañang suspends classes, gov't work in Bicol on Oct. 24 due to 'Kristine'
At A Glance
- The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
Malacañang suspended government work and classes at all levels in the Bicol Region on Thursday, Oct. 24, due to the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine.
"In view of the continuous rainfall brought about by Tropical Storm Kristine, and to ensure the safety of the general public, work in government offices and classes at all levels in Region V (Bicol Region) are hereby suspended on 24 October 2024," the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said.
However, it said that agencies involved in basic and health services, disaster and calamity preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
According to the OES, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and other relevant agencies are continuously monitoring the situation in other regions and will recommend further suspensions, as needed.
President Marcos has ordered government agencies to immediately start rescue and relief operations in the Bicol region, telling the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to use the necessary equipment to open up all the roads and bridges blocked by debris due to landslides.
The OCD said on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Kristine inundated large areas in Bicol, affecting more than 150,000 residents, based on its latest assessment.
In Camarines Sur, local officials said 300 out of 600 barangays are flooded due to the continuous rainfall.
Significant rains, gusty winds, and storm surges are expected in the whole country, especially in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, and Eastern Visayas in the coming days.
Tropical Storm Kristine is forecast to gradually intensity into a severe tropical storm before making landfall in Isabela or Northern Aurora on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.