Due to threat of ‘Egay’
TACLOBAN CITY-Several local governments in Samar and Biliran provinces have cancelled classes and work due to Typhoon ‘Egay’ on Monday (July 24).
In Biliran, among the local governments that suspended classes and work were in Culaba, Maripipi, and the provincial capital of Naval.
In Samar provinces, the cancellation of work and classes were in the towns of Motiong, Daram, Hinabangan, and the provincial capital of Catbalogan City.
These local governments cancelled the classes and work was made to ensure the safety of the public amid the threat of Egay.
However, operations of offices on disaster risk management, social welfare, and health were not suspended by these local government units despite of the threat of Egay.
Sea travels were also suspended by the Coast Guard in Biliran to avoid any possible sea incidents. The suspension will take effect until the weather improves as the province was placed under signal number 1 by Pagasa.
The Coast Guard in Northern Samar has also made a similar suspension on sea travel due to the inclement weather through an advisory.
Meantime, passengers bound for Luzon were stranded in the different ports in Allen town, Northern Samar.
As of noon Monday, about 1,689 passengers, 820 rolling cargoes consisting of 90 trucks, 59 light cars, and buses were stranded in the ports of Dapdap, Looc, and Jubasan.
At least seven vessels are also taking shelter in these three ports.
As of past 1 pm, Pagasa has hoisted storm signal number 1 in Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, and the rest of Northern Samar.
These areas are expected to have winds of up to 39 to 61 kilometers per hour or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has activated the Charlie protocol or red alert amid the threat of Egay.
It also ask all the local disaster risk reduction management offices across the region, especially those seen to be affected by Egay, to be on alert and ‘execute proactive measures and preparedness actions’ relative to the impending typhoon.
‘Preemptive evacuation is highly encouraged especially to high-risk areas,” it added.
JOEY A. GABIETA
