‘Maring’dumps rains in Central Luzon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Tropical Depression “Maring”yesterday dumped heavy rains in Pampanga and six other provinces in Central Luzon, prompting officials to suspend classes in all levels as well as work in government offices.
As of 11 a.m. yesterday, all cities and municipalities in Pampanga declared suspension of classes in both private and public schools, said Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Angie Blanco.
Zambales Governor Amor Deloso, Nueva Ecija Governor Czarina Umali, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap and Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado also declared province-wide suspensions in both public and private schools.
Minor floodings were reported in some barangay and municipal roads in the region but major roads were still passable to all types of vehicles as of press time.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Region III advised the public to stay safe and dry and be vigilant for possible flash floods. Residents in lowlying areas were also advised to be alert for possible evacuation as Tropical Depression “Maring” is forecasted by PAGASA to further dump rains until Thursday.
Maring was last spotted 135 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon,
packing maximum winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 65 kph.
It was forecast to move west northwest at 11 kph.
Storm signal number 1 was hoisted over Metro Manila Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Northern Quezon, including Polillo Island, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, La Union and Aurora.
The weather bureau raised Orange rainfall warning in Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal and Camarines Norte, which means flooding in those areas remains a threat.
Yellow rainfall warning meanwhile has been raised over Quezon, Laguna and Batangas. Yellow warning means there could be flooding in low lying areas.— With Ruth Abbey Gita and Keith A. Calayag/ SunStar Philippines