Palawan towns suspend classes due to heavy rains

Palawan map. INQUIRER FILES

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Several local government units in Palawan suspended classes on Thursday, August 29, due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat” affecting the province.

The mayors of Brooke’s Point, Kalayaan, Quezon, San Vicente, and Sofronio Española towns issued separate advisories declaring the suspension of classes at all levels for both private and public schools in their respective localities.

“Out of concern for the safety of the public, all face-to-face classes at all levels in public and private schools and university are hereby suspended today,” Sofronio Española Mayor Abner Rafael Tesorio said in his advisory.

Quezon MDRRMO head Eden Cascara said they were on “blue” alert status and that their emergency operation center had been activated on a 24/7 status.

“We advise everyone to take necessary precautions and stay updated through official channels for further announcements. Let us all prioritize safety during this time,” Quezon Mayor Joselito Ayala also stated in his advisory.

In Brooke’s Point, the MDRRMO said a spillway in Barangay Mainit was unpassable after flood waters overflowed due to heavy rains.

On Thursday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued an Orange Rainfall Warning for Palawan with the possibility of heavy rains, floods, and landslides in hazard-prone and low-lying areas.

Quick Response Teams of the different Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices have been alerted and are on standby for any eventuality.

READ: Possible LPA spotted east of PH; monsoon rains expected