6 towns in Compostela Valley suspend classes amid bad weather

TAGUM CITY – Authorities in six municipalities in Compostela Valley have declared suspension of classes due to the prevailing inclement weather over Mindanao, disaster officials said.

Raul Villocino, the provincial disaster action officer, said the towns of Monkayo, Compostela, Montevista, New Bataan, Nabunturan, and Mawab have no classes at all levels both in public and private schools starting Monday.

The cancellation of classes was due to the continuous rainshowers and thunderstorms in Davao region brought about by the tail-end of a cold front affecting parts of Mindanao and Visayas, according to Franz Irag, spokesperson of the Office of Civil Defense-Davao.

In Davao del Norte, disaster authorities are closely monitoring the Saug and Liboganon Rivers for possible flooding, which could threaten low-lying and rice-producing towns of Kapalong, Carmen, Asuncion and New Corella.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Sunday raised the possibilities of floods and landslides in some Mindanao areas due to the light to heavy rains being experienced on the island.

In an advisory posted on its website, Pagasa said floods and landslides could take place in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte.

It advised local disaster response offices and people living near mountain slopes and tributaries in the said provinces to be on alert.

The towns with suspended classes were among the flooded areas when severe tropical storm “Vinta” made landfall on Siargao Island on December 22, during which at least two people were killed.                       /kga