TACLOBAN CITY — Several local government units across Eastern Visayas suspended classes on Monday, March 9, as persistent rains triggered by a weather disturbance raised concerns over flooding and landslides in parts of the region.

The suspensions came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), an agency under the Department of Science and Technology, warned of moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms affecting Eastern Visayas due to the trough of a low-pressure area combined with the northeast monsoon.

In General Flood Advisory No. 2 issued at 6 a.m. Monday, Pagasa said the continuous rains within the next 12 hours could cause rivers and tributaries in several areas to swell, increasing the risk of flooding.

Among the areas being closely monitored are river systems in Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Catbalogan City in Samar, and Tacloban City in Leyte, as well as other flood-prone areas across the region.

The weather bureau also urged residents living near mountain slopes and low-lying communities to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Northern Samar.
In response to the adverse weather, several municipalities ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes to ensure the safety of students and school personnel.

In Sogod, Southern Leyte, authorities suspended in-person classes from kindergarten to senior high school in both public and private schools until further notice due to continuous rainfall and a yellow rainfall warning issued by Pagasa.

Classes at all levels were also suspended in Libagon, Southern Leyte due to heavy rains affecting the municipality.

Similarly, the local government of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte suspended classes in all public and private schools following Pagasa’s heavy rainfall warning.

The suspension in Hinunangan includes both teaching and non-teaching personnel, except those required for emergency response and safety operations as determined by school heads.

In San Miguel, Leyte, officials also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels across the municipality due to the expected bad weather.

The suspension covers teaching and non-teaching personnel under the Department of Education in the San Miguel District, although employees in government offices were directed to report to work to ensure uninterrupted public services.

Meanwhile, the municipal government also moved the scheduled municipal parade and presentations originally set for Monday to March 10 at 7 a.m., while a planned bloodletting activity will proceed as scheduled with safety measures in place.

Classes were likewise suspended in Llorente, Hernani, Balangiga, Gen. MacArthur, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar following the recommendation of the local Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) due to worsening weather conditions.
The continuous downpour also triggered a landslide that blocked a road in Sitio Caingin, Barangay Pinut-an in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte early Monday, authorities reported.
No residents were in the area at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office noted that the area is chronically prone to landslides, especially during periods of prolonged rainfall.

Motorists were advised to avoid the affected road as heavy rains continue to affect the province.

Pagasa said the rains are being enhanced by the trough of a low-pressure area located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, which is influencing weather conditions across Eastern Visayas.

Local disaster officials said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue further advisories if necessary, while urging residents and travelers to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, until the weather improves.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)