Classes suspended in Mindanao provinces due to Onyok

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Philippines — Local authorities have suspended classes as several areas in Mindanao prepared for the incoming Tropical Depression “Onyok.”

In Davao del Norte, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario ordered on Thursday afternoon the suspension of classes in the pre-school level as the province was among the 12 areas placed under Public Storm Warning Signal number 1 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Agusan and Surigao provinces, including Siargao and Dinagat islands, as well as Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur could expect winds of 30 to 60 kilometers per hour near the center in the next 36 hours and moderate to heavy rains within the storm’s 100-km radius.

PAGASA said the weather disturbance was located as of 6 p.m. at 480 kms east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing winds of up to 55 kph near the center and moving westward at 15 kph.

In Compostela Valley, the provincial government has also ordered the suspension of classes up to elementary level as local disaster management councils in 11 municipalities were advised to take necessary pre-disaster preparations, said Fe Maestre, provincial information officer.

In Surigao del Sur, at least 1,000 family relief packs from the Caraga regional social welfare office were being prepositioned in the provincial capital in Tandag.  Search and rescue teams and equipment were put on alert at the provincial disaster risk reduction management council (PDRRMC) office Thursday afternoon as the province was bracing for Onyok’s expected landfall by Friday, May Salinas, provincial social welfare officer, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by text message.

Gov. Johnny Pimentel has ordered the activation of the provincial disaster coordinating center as the low-intensity storm continues to barrel towards Surigao del Sur.

The state weather bureau said Onyok would hit land in Hinatuan by 2 a.m. Friday.  SFM