MANILA, Philippines – Several local government units announced suspension of classes for Thursday, July 25, 2024, due to intense rain and massive floods brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is being enhanced by super typhoon Carina.
According to state weather bureau PAGASA in its 5:00 p.m. bulletin today, Bagyong Carina has intensified into a super typhoon and about to make landfall over Northern Taiwan.
SEE ALSO: NCR placed under state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina
Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 2 was raised over Batanes. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was hoisted in the areas of Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana, Gonzaga), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Burgos, Bangui, Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams).
The Southwest Monsoon enhanced by CARINA will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):
Today: Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, the eastern portion of Isabela, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, BARMM, and Davao Region
Thursday (July 25): Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, the eastern portion of Isabela, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar
Friday (July 26): Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, the eastern portion of Isabela, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
Carina is forecast to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan this evening. On the track forecast, the super typhoon will cross the rugged terrain of Taiwan and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow (July 25) morning.
Here's the list of class suspensions for Thursday, July 25, 2024 (refresh page for updates):
Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon
Malacañang Palace suspended classes at all levels and government work in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions III (Central Luzon) and Region IV-A (CALABARZON).
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.
The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
Prior to the Palace decision, the following cities and provinces had announced suspensions:
- Caloocan – all levels (public and private)
- Malabon – all levels (public and private)
- Mandaluyong – all levels (public and private)
- Manila – all levels (public and private)
- Quezon City – all levels (public and private)
- San Juan – all levels (public and private)
- Taguig – all levels (public and private)
- Bataan – all levels (public and private)
- Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
- Angeles City – all levels (private)
ILOCOS REGION
- Pangasinan – all levels (public and private)
- Dagupan City – all levels (public and private)
AUTOMATIC CLASS SUSPENSIONS
In 2022, the Department of Education (DepEd) released guidelines on the cancellation and suspension of classes and work in schools during natural calamities.
According to DepEd's Department Order No. 37, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 by the PAGASA."
During heavy rainfall, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA".
During floods, "In-person, online classes, and work from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Alternative Learning System are automatically cancelled in schools in specific areas issued with a Flood Warning by the PAGASA".
The order also said that in all instances, "Local Chief Executives shall decide on the cancellation or suspension of classes" where there is bad weather but is not due to a typhoon, heavy rainfall alert, or flood warning from PAGASA.
Here's full copy of DepEd order on class suspensions:
Note: This is a developing story. Keep locked for the updates. Help us crowdsource class suspension announcements by tweeting @mysummitexpress or commenting below.
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