Zamboanga City cancels classes due to inclement weather
FLODDED street in Zamboanga City from bad weather. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Khymer Olaso suspended classes on all levels in public and private schools Thursday due to inclement weather.
In an order, Olaso said the suspension was prompted by the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which indicated that the city would experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers due to the southwest monsoon or ‘’habagat.’’
"Stay vigilant and continuously monitor weather updates through official, verified channels to ensure safety," Olaso said.
PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, warning of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to occasionally heavy rains.
Reports reaching the mayor's office said several streets in the downtown area, including the Bagsakan Center, the city's trading hub for farm produce, were flooded due to continuous rains.
Olaso urged the public to contact the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office through its hotline numbers, which are posted online, in case of emergencies.
He also advised residents to avoid swimming in rivers due to the risk of flash floods.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario directed barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils to closely monitor their areas to help ensure residents' safety.