No work, classes in Antique due to effects of enhanced 'habagat'
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Work in provincial and national government offices, as well as classes in all levels in public and private schools in Antique, were suspended Friday due to the effects of the southwest monsoon or "habagat," enhanced by tropical storm Kiyapo (international name Noul).
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer III Michael Tolentino said the suspension is mandated under Memorandum Order 20 issued by Gov. Paolo Everardo Javier on Friday morning to keep employees and students safe in their homes while heavy rainfall is being experienced throughout the province.
Red warning forecasts possible serious flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas. Under orange warning, flooding could occur in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas, while under yellow warning, flooding threatens low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas.
“The suspension of face-to-face classes in the province is also automatic from Kindergarten to Grade 12, including the Alternative Learning System, based on the Department of Education Order No. 22, Series of 2024, once an area is placed under the orange rainfall warning,” Tolentino said.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has already monitored an overflow at the Sibalom River, while they are closely monitoring the rise of water in other major rivers due to the heavy rainfall since Thursday night.
Flooding has occurred at the road section in the coastal barangay of Calala in the municipality of Hamtic, stranding some motorists.
A landslide was also reported in Barangays Apdo and Calacja in the same town, and a clearing operation is being done to make it passable, he said.
“We advise households to remain in their homes if they do not have essential errands to do since the enhanced southwest monsoon is being forecasted to be critical until Saturday,” Tolentino added. (PNA)