Monsoon to spawn weekend rains over Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon or habagat are expected to affect large parts of Luzon through Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

According to the impact-based warning of PAGASA yesterday, prolonged and widespread disruption to the daily routines of households and businesses is anticipated in parts of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

Under the “severe” level, widespread damage to houses and buildings, crops, livestock and aquaculture may occur. Road and rail transportation may also be disrupted, while health facilities, power and water services may be affected.

The warning also noted that severe injuries, permanent disability and danger to life may be expected.

As of yesterday, two low-pressure areas were being monitored by PAGASA. The first was inside the Philippine area of responsibility, last located 560 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, while the other was outside PAR, last located 1,460 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

Both had a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

From this afternoon until Monday afternoon, an orange warning is expected over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet and Zambales, while a yellow warning is expected over Batanes, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.

Class suspensions

Malacañang suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in public and private schools in Metro Manila and 16 provinces yesterday afternoon.

The order, contained in Memorandum Circular 132 issued by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, took effect at 1 p.m.

Citing the expected further enhancement of the southwest monsoon, the suspension covered the National Capital Region, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.

Government agencies providing basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response and other vital services were directed to continue operating.

Local chief executives were also authorized to suspend classes and/or work in government offices in their areas.

In the private sector, the suspension of work or adoption of alternative work arrangements was left to management. — Bella Cariaso, Helen Flores, Aubrey Inosante