Classes suspended in some Bicol towns due to heavy rainfall, landslide

A landslide caused by heavy rainfall partially blocks a portion of the national highway connecting Manito town and Legazpi City in Albay. (Photo from the Manito MDRRMO)

LEGAZPI CITY – Authorities announced on Tuesday the suspension of classes in all levels on Wednesday in Manito town in Albay and in Donsol town in Sorsogon due to heavy rainfall and threat of landslides as Tropical Depression “Agaton” nears Palawan province.

Wednesday classes from preschool to high school were suspended In the towns of Irosin, Magallanes and Barcelona – all in Sorsogon.

Also suspended were classes in from pre-school to elementary in Bulan and Casiguran, both also towns in Sorsogon.

The announcement was made by Joseph John Perez, information officer of Department of Education in Sorsogon.

On Tuesday, part of the Manito-Legazpi national highway in Barangay Malobago was made impassable to vehicles by a landslide, according to Joebert Daria, officer of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Manito town in Albay.

“Mud covered a portion of the road,” Daria said. “So, it is not advisable to pass through the area for commuters.”

The operation of the public utility jeepneys plying the Manito-to-Legazpi route were also suspended.

Local government workers and private workers who have to pass the Manito-Legapzi highway would also be excused from work.

“The students just need to ask for a certification for them to be excused from their classes in other towns and cities,” Daria added.

No households were affected in the area, he said.