CLASSES were automatically suspended in Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte today, January 26, as the state weather forecasting agency Pagasa predicted heavy rainfall in those areas that might trigger flooding and landslides.
Pagasa raised the orange warning alert around 5am Thursday morning.
An orange warning alert means the amount of rainfall expected would be around 75,000-150,000 drums per square kilometer.
“Paalala sa ating mga kababayan po, kapag nagtaas tayo ng orange or red rainfall warning, automatically suspended ang ating klase from preschool all the way up to Grade 12,” Pagasa weather forecaster Benison Estareja said.
Under orange rainfall alert, the communities are advised that flooding is “threatening” low-lying areas. Landslides are also threatening those living near or in the mountainous areas.
In other areas where there are heavy rainfall, local government executives have the discretion to suspend classes too.
Pagasa said these areas may also experience heavy rainfall around 5am:
- Agusan Del Norte – yellow warning
- Agusan Del Sur – yellow warning
- Camiguin – yellow warning
- Surigao del Sur – yellow warning
- Bukidnon – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Davao Oriental – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Lanaodel Norte – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Lanao del Sur – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Maguindanao del Norte – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Misamis Occidental – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- Misamis Oriental – moderate sometimes heavy rains
- North Cotabato – moderate sometimes heavy rains
Yellow warning means the amount of rainfall expected would be 37,500-75,000 drums per square kilometer.
Pagasa warns that flooding is “possible” in low-lying areas, and landslides may happen in mountainous barangays in areas under yellow rainfall alert.
Weather at a glance
| Place | Weather Condition | Caused By | Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visayas, Mindanao, Romblon, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate | Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms | LPA | Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains |
| Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Bicol Region, Aurora, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque, and Oriental Mindoro | Cloudy skies with rains | Northeast Monsoon | Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains |
| Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon | Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains | Northeast Monsoon | No significant impact |
Forecast Wind and Coastal Water Condition
| Place | Speed | Direction | Coastal Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luzon, Visayas, and the northern and eastern sections of Mindanao | Moderate to Strong | Northeast to North | Moderate to Rough / (2.5 to 5.0 meters) |
| The rest of Mindanao | Light to Moderate | Southeast to Northeast | Slight to Moderate / (0.6 to 2.5 meters) |
