Rains disrupt classes, work in CL; floods inundate villages

Classes in all levels remained suspended in Aurora, Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Zambales in Central Luzon on Wednesday due heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon.

Bataan Governor Albert Garcia also suspended work in government offices, except those involved in disaster risk and reduction management and other vital services.

Work in some firms at the Freeport Area of Bataan was likewise suspended.

In Tarlac, Governor Susan Yap also extended the province-wide suspension of pre-elementary to senior high school classes for both public and private schools.

Meanwhile, suspension of classes, was declared some municipalities in Nueva Ecija.

Classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, were suspended in the municipalities of Penaranda, Rizal, Guimba and Talugtug, as well as in Gapan City.

Classes in pre-elementary to senior high school, both in public and private schools, were suspended in the towns of Talavera, San Leonardo, Cabiao, Cuyapo, Jaen and Zaragosa.

Over in Bulacan, acting Governor Daniel R. Fernando announced the suspension of Wednesday classes in all levels.

Fernando said that the provincial government’s rescue teams are on alert as several areas in the province were still flooded as of yesterday morning.

As of 10 a.m., yesterday an orange rainfall warning (imminent flooding due to heavy rains) was issued by the state weather bureau in Bataan and Zambales.

A yellow rainfall warning, meanwhile, was raised over Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

Flood woes Several villages in the 20 municipalities and three cities in the province of Pampanga were submerged in floodwater, provincial authorities said Wednesday.

A partial report of the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said that at least 25 villages in the coastal towns of Macabebe and Masantol were inundated by 3-feet high floodwaters

In Candaba town, all low lying villages were flooded.

As of Wednesday morning, flooded villages were reported in the municipalities of Floridablanca, Bacolor, Minalin, Sasmuan, San Simon, Apalit, San Luis, Arayat, Mexico, Magalang, Porac, Guagua, Lubao, Sta. Rita, San Matias and cities of San Fernando, Mabalacat and Angeles, the Pampanga PDRRMO said.

Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda maintained that the suspension of classes in all levels was ordered to ensure the safety of students.

Gov. Pineda also instructed PDRRMO to monitor 24/7 all lowlying areas and advised residents in high risk areas particularly families who are living near the creeks and dikes in all Pampanga districts to seek higher ground, if necessary.

In Bulacan, several low-lying areas were also inundated by floodwaters, particularly in Meycauayan City, Marilao, Bulakan, Balagtas, Malolos and San Miguel.

Several villages in Olongapo City were also submerged in floodwaters since Monday. (With a report from Freddie Velez)