Classes, gov’t work suspended in Eastern Visayas due to shear line

TACLOBAN CITY — Classes and work in government offices were suspended on Tuesday in several local government units (LGUs) across Eastern Visayas due to heavy rains brought by a shear line that has been affecting the region since the weekend.

READ: Shear line to bring heavy rainfall in parts of Luzon, Visayas

In Tacloban City, Mayor Alfred Romualdez ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and work in all city government offices to ensure public safety amid persistent rainfall.

“With this, I strongly suggest that everyone stay in their homes and avoid going out as much as possible for everyone’s safety. We are continuously monitoring the situation,” Romualdez said in a message posted on his social media account.

He added that the city’s emergency response teams, together with various local government offices, remained on standby and ready to respond to any emergencies due to the inclement weather.

Several municipalities in Leyte also announced class suspensions, including Palo, Carigara, Barugo, and Tolosa, as rains continued to affect low-lying and flood-prone areas.

A landslide was reported in Barangay Canoso, Matag-ob in Leyte. While no injury and property damage were reported, residents were advised to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to slope failure.

In Eastern Samar, Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone ordered the suspension of classes in both public and private schools at all levels after continuous rains caused flooding in several areas of the province, particularly in the municipality of Quinapondan.

Provincial authorities also reported damage to a portion of a retaining wall in Barangay San Andres, Borongan City, which collapsed due to prolonged rainfall.

Class suspensions were likewise implemented in parts of Southern Leyte, including Hinunangan and the provincial capital, Maasin City, as well as in Samar province in the municipalities of Basey and Calbiga, and in Catbalogan City.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas has issued an advisory urging all local governments to remain on heightened alert and to closely monitor weather conditions and potential hazards — such as flooding and landslides — as heavy rains from the shear line persist in the region./coa