Classes, work suspended in Catanduanes as Bising dumps rain over Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines  — Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua on Sunday ordered the suspension of online classes and work in all offices on Monday (April 19) as Typhoon Bising (international name Surigae) threatens the province.

In an advisory, Cua said those involved in the delivery of basic services and disaster response shall continue with their operations.

He said normal operations will resume on Tuesday.

At least 1,389 families or 5,120 individuals were evacuated Sunday afternoon in seven towns in Catanduanes.

The evacuees were residents of areas prone to floods, storm surges, and landslides.

Since Saturday afternoon, Bising has poured moderate to heavy rains over the Bicol region.

Based on the 11 a.m. severe weather bulletin, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Bising was located 375 kilometers East of Juban, Sorsogon, or 345 kilometers East of Virac, Catanduanes.

It maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 265 kilometers per hour.

Pagasa said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was hoisted over Catanduanes while Signal No. 1 in the eastern portion of Camarines Norte (San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Vinzons, Talisay, Daet, Mercedes, Basud), Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands.

/MUF