ILOILO City – Classes in public and private preschools and elementary schools in this city were suspended yesterday due to heavy southwest monsoon rains.
Acting Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon ordered the suspension of classes “to ensure that our children are protected and safe; their general welfare is our topmost concern.”
The southwest monsoon was enhanced by Typhoon “Gardo” (international name: “Maria”) that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility yesterday morning although it was not expected to make a landfall.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned of moderate to strong winds, including cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms which may cause possible flashfloods and landslides in low-lying areas.
“We conducted roving operations starting (June 8) and until this morning (July 9). There were flooded areas,” said Ganzon.
The flooding, he added, was further worsened by the ongoing construction of roads and drainage “which may be dangerous to preschoolers and elementary students.”
“Gardo” was last observed 1,325 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 200 kph near the center and gustiness of 245 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 30 kph.
The enhanced southwest monsoon was expected to bring rains over the regions of Mimaropa and Western Visayas and occasional rains over Metro Manila, regions of Calabarzon, Bicol, and the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, and Aurora until today.
Monsoon rains would affect most of Luzon, especially over the western section, beginning Wednesday, July 10, according to the state weather bureau.
It cautioned residents of flooding and landslides, especially those living in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Fishermen were advised against going out as sea travel is risky over the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
