Albay orders work suspension due to continuous rains

Albay map. INQUIRER FILES

LEGAZPI CITY — The Albay government ordered early dismissal of work on Wednesday, Jan. 8, due to continuous rains that caused flooding in some areas.

Gov. Baby Glenda Bongao said in an advisory that the suspension of work in government offices shall start at 12 noon, except for agencies involved in public safety, disaster risk reduction, health, and related services.

Bangao also encouraged the private agencies and offices to consider early dismissal due to the threats in high-risk areas.

The local government units were advised to evacuate residents in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and lahar flow.

Fishermen using small sea crafts were prohibited from sailing while residents were advised to avoid crossing swollen rivers.

Earlier, Albay’s 18 towns and cities issued suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools.

Heavy rains caused flooding in the villages of Capantawan, Orosite, Cabagnan in the city.

In Manito town, a wooden bridge connecting the villages of Cawit and It-ba was destroyed by the strong current of water in the area.

In Libon town, the residents were advised to avoid crossing a portion in Barangay Burabod as debris from previous landslides was still expected to erode.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued rainfall warnings on Wednesday due to rains spawned by the prevailing shear line.

READ: Rain to prevail in 13 areas in Luzon, Visayas due to shear line, amihan