Rains shut Luzon schoolsPresident Arroyo suspended classes in all levels in Metro Manila and provinces in Luzon on Thursday because of the inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon and tropical storms affecting the country, ABS-CBN News reported.
Mrs. Arroyo approved of the recommendation of the National Disaster Coordinating Council to suspend elementary and high school classes in the public and private sectors in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Zambales, Benguet, Mountain Province, Babuyan Islands and Batanes.
Classes in the tertiary level, meanwhile, were suspended following the recommendation of the Commission on Higher Education.
In a text message to ABS-CBN News, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye quoted a satellite image report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) saying that inclement weather would prevail on Thursday.
The announcement came in the wake of heavy downpour brought by the southwest monsoon and tropical storm Chedeng (international name: Pabuk) that also left 11 people dead.
On Wednesday the Department of Education suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels in Metro Manila.
DepEd Undersecretary Vilma Labrador apologized to the public for giving the late advisory.
"We've suspended classes in the elementary and high school levels. [Weather bureau] PAGASA reported that the rain would continue for the rest of the day," Labrador told DZMM.
Local government units also suspended classes on all levels in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Malabon due to massive flooding. Malabon Mayor Canuto Oreta also sent out rescue teams to help families affected by floods.
Bulacan flash floods
The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council of Bulacan, meanwhile, reported that several towns were hit by flashfloods that came from the eastern slope of the Sierra Madre range late Wednesday, DZMM reported.
It said that around 10 p.m., floodwaters overflowed the river flowing through the towns of Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Sta. Maria, Balagtas and Obando.
In Marilao, floodwaters went as high as six feet as of 11 p.m.
In Sta. Maria, four-feet high floodwaters swept through the village of Tumana and other communities by the river.
No casualties were reported as of this posting.
Onward to Taiwan
PAGASA said that Chedeng is now headed toward Taiwan.
The weather bureau, however, said that a new weather disturbance is threatening the country's eastern seaboard.
It said that at 10 p.m. Wednesday, tropical storm Dodong (international name: Wutip) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 170 km east of Basco, Batanes (21.5°N, 123.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move northwest at 19 kph.
The weather bureau forecast Dodong to be 420 km north northwest of Basco, Batanes or 160 km south southwest of Taipei, Taiwan by Thursday evening.
On Friday morning, Dodong is estimated to be 650 km northwest of Basco, Batanes or 270 km west northwest of Taipei, Taiwan.
PAGASA has hoisted Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds) over Batanes Group of Islands. Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds), meanwhile, has been raised over the Babuyan Islands.
The weather bureau warned residents in coastal areas under Signal No. 1 and 2 against big waves generated by the tropical cyclone.
It said that Dodong will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon which will bring rains over Luzon particularly at the western section.
Those living in low lying areas and near mountain slopes are advised to take all the necessary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides, it added.
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