Mandatory evac, class suspension ordered in Bicol as Nika moves closer

Track intensity and forecast of Tropical Storm Nika (international name: Toraji) as of 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024. (Photo by Pagasa/Facebook)

LEGAZPI CITY — Local government units in Camarines Sur and Albay on Saturday, November 9, ordered mandatory evacuations and suspension of classes due to the threat of Tropical Storm Nika.

In Camarines Sur, Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte said the local officials should start the mandatory evacuation of families in high-risks areas at 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 10, especially those previously affected by flooding due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

Villafuerte advised the officials to ensure that the designated evacuation centers were located outside the flood-prone areas, as most of the towns were severely affected by flooding due to heavy rains dumped by Kristine on October 21.

Albay Governor Baby Glenda Bongao also advised the village officials to monitor the areas prone to flood, lahar, and landslides and implement localized evacuation as needed.

READ: Nika now a storm, Signal No. 1 up in Northern Luzon areas

In-person classes at all levels in public and private schools were also suspended in the towns of Tiwi, Malinao, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Bacacay and Rapu-Rapu.

Bongao said the schools may implement alternative learning modalities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hoisted the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and the northeastern portion of Albay (Malinao, Tiwi, City of Tabaco, Bacacay, Malilipot, Rapu-Rapu); the southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue); the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan); the southeastern portion of mainland Quezon (Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan); and Pollilo Islands.

Pagasa said Nika was located 1,005 kilometers (km) east of southeastern Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 65 km per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

It was moving westward at 35 kph.

All water activities and sea travel of vessels were suspended in the affected areas of the Bicol region.