Classes in 6 Camarines Norte towns suspended due to ‘Maring’

LEGAZPI CITY — Classes in at least six towns in Camarines Norte have been suspended due to the inclement weather brought about by Tropical Depression “Maring” Tuesday, a disaster official said.

Antonio E. España, officer of the Camarines Norte Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the towns of Daet, Labo, Vinzons, Mercedes, Jose Panganiban and San Vicente have all suspended classes.

Flooding in Labo Bridge in Labo town reached 8.55 meters at 5 a.m., while a team from the Armed Forces of the Philippines was deployed to Sitio Namukanan in Daguit village in the same town after a landslide was reported.

There were no reports if someone was hurt in the said landslide, but the local government of Labo continues to monitor landslide-prone and low-lying areas, España said.

He said that as of 8 a.m., roads and bridges affected by heavy flooding were passable, but Alpha Alert (pre-disaster risk assessment and inventory of all possible resources for deployment) was raised to continue monitoring of the weather situation.

Evacuation centers were also prepared in case residents needed to be evacuated.

España said Sta. Elena town also reported loss of power and water supply.

The Philippine Coast Guard in Camarines Norte was also placed on high alert after declaring a no-sail policy since Sunday. /je