Malacañang announced the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon “Carina”.
This photo shows the strong winds brought by Typhoon "Carina" toppled a tree that fell on top of a delivery van parked along Malingap St., Sikatuna Village in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN)
“In view of the continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon "Carina," work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region are hereby suspended at 02:00 p.m. today, 23 July 2024,” Memorandum Circular No. 57 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, July 23, read.
Bersamin signed the memorandum with the authority of President Marcos.
The memorandum also reminded that those working to deliver basic and health services will remain operational.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” it added.
As for workers in private companies and offices, Malacañang said that suspension of their work will be “left to the discretion of their respective heads.”
The center of “Carina,” which is expected to leave the Philippine area of responsibility, on Thursday, July 25, was estimated to be 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, the 11 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
It packs maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometer per hour near the center with gustiness of up to 170 kilometer per hour.
Though it is far from making a landfall, Carina and the southwest monsoon brought moderate to intense rains over various parts of western Luzon in the last 24 hours. This is expected until Thursday.