DUMAGUETE CITY – The provincial government of Negros Oriental suspended all classes in all levels, both private and public schools and work in government offices Friday due to heavy rains and flooding.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria made the directive in Executive Order 51 released past 10 a.m.
Before this, many local government units have suspended classes as early as Thursday.
On Thursday evening, some 500 individuals were evacuated to the town gymnasium in Siaton town after rivers swelled and heavy rains inundated low-lying residential areas.
Earlier in the day, some residents in Zamboanguita also evacuated to safer ground but returned later after flooding subsided, said Adrian Sedillo, Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head.
“We have spread ourselves out as we deployed teams to towns that were flooded and with rivers overflowing already on Thursday. We have to help the local DRRMOs as there are not enough emergency responders in these areas,” Sedillo said in mixed English and Cebuano.
“Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria has enjoined all local DRRM councils, DRRM stakeholders, and the general public to be vigilant and pro-active to minimize the impacts associated with hazards brought about by the present weather conditions,” he added.
Pre-emptive evacuation is ongoing in some areas as heavy downpour continues with close monitoring of river waters in place.
Sedillo said so far, there are no reports of casualties except for damage to property and crops.