Classes cancelled in Ilocos Norte town ahead of Super Typhoon Betty

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—The eastern town of Solsona in Ilocos Norte province has announced the cancellation of classes in all levels, in public and private schools, from Monday to Tuesday ahead of the onslaught of super typhoon “Betty” (international name: Mawar).

In an administrative order issued Friday, Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara said the suspension was meant to ensure the “public welfare and safety” as the typhoon was forecast to unleash strong winds and heavy rains in northern Luzon early next week.

The suspension will stay in effect until the threat from the super typhoon has passed, said de Lara.

In its 11 a.m. forecast, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Betty, which entered the Philippine area before dawn on Saturday, would affect areas of Cagayan Valley, the northern portion of Aurora, northern and eastern portions of Cordillera region, Ilocos Norte, and even Ilocos Sur.

A three-day period, from Monday to Wednesday, next week would be “crucial” as Betty would be closest to the country’s landmass, with its eyewall only 250 to 300 kilometers away, according to Pagasa.

In preparation for Betty’s brunt, the Ilocos Norte provincial government has declared a “blue alert” where disaster officials and emergency response units are on standby to monitor and to ensure that there would be enough manpower in case of an emergency.

The provincial government said that it has already prepositioned hundreds of food packs in at least seven clustered areas in the province for distribution in evacuation centers.

Residents living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas were also urged to stay vigilant and be prepared for possible evacuation.

READ:

Ilocos Sur suspends classes, work in public establishments as Betty nears

LIST: Class suspensions on Tuesday, May 30

JOHN MICHAEL MUGAS INQ