Classes suspended in submerged areas

Classes in at least 40 public elementary schools and five public high schools in Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas were suspended yesterday after low-lying portions in these localities were submerged in sea water brought about by a two-meter high tide.

Malabon City Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta ordered the suspension of classes in 23 public elementary schools in the first district early in the morning after 15 of the city’s 21 barangays slowly went under water.

"Only classes in public elementary schools in 15 affected barangays were suspended," Beth Gutierrez, traffic operation officer of the City Hall, told The STAR.

Barangays that were severely affected by the high tide were Dampalit, Niugan, Muzon, Flores, Baritan, Concepcion, San Agustin, Taniong, Bayanbayanan, Maysilo, Ibaba, Panghulo, Santolan, Catmon and Hulong Duhat.

"We are hoping that future high tides this high would not occur during typhoons, baka magka-disaster tayo dito," Gutierrez said.

In Navotas, Mayor Toby Tiangco announced as early as Sunday that classes in all 16 public elementary schools and five public high schools in his town would be suspended in anticipation of the floodwater.

"Our two pumping stations in critical barangays of Bangkulasi and Tanza were all working, but with this volume of sea water they are not enough," Ronnel Gonzales of the town’s public information office said.

Gonzales, however, assured the residents that waterways in their municipality are always clear of garbage and any debris.

"It’s our location, we are below sea level," Gonzales said.

In Caloocan City, officials of Kaunlaran Elementary School in Barangay 20, Dagat-Dagatan, were forced to suspend afternoon classes after the roads going the school were submerged in knee-deep floodwater at around 11 a.m.

Parents and teachers of the school with a total population of 3,739 pupils appealed to government agencies concerned to help abate the effect of the worsening flood problem in Dagat-Dagatan, especially among the students.