LGU in Eastern Samar cancels work, classes following tsunami warning
TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Lawaan, Eastern Samar suspended work in government offices and classes on Wednesday, July 30, following a tsunami warning after the magnitude-8.8 earthquake in the Russian Far East.
“In the interest of public safety, and as a preemptive measure to avoid loss of lives and ensure readiness in case of evacuation or disaster response, there is a need to temporarily suspend classes and work in government offices,” the Lawaan local government unit said.
The warning was imposed on coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean, including Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte provinces, from 1:20 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Affected areas were Catarman, Laoang, Palapag, and Lope de Vega in Northern Samar; Oras, Arteche, Dolores, San Policarpo, Maslog, Jipapad, Can-avid in Eastern Samar; San Jose de Buan and Matuguinao in Samar, and coastal barangays facing the Samar Sea or San Bernardino Strait in Biliran province.
The Department of Tourism-8 advised the public to avoid beaches, harbors, and coastal waters and some resorts have in the region temporarily stopped accepting guests after the warning.