Strong winds, heavy rains lash south

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Strong winds and heavy rains forced authorities to suspend classes in all levels here as power lines were cut down due to approaching tropical storm "Neneng."

The new weather disturbance is expected to hit the country tomorrow.

Flights have also been diverted due to visibility problems, according to the Air Transportation Office (ATO) here.

Inter-island vessels were likewise prevented from plying their routes due to big waves even as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here have alerted its units to monitor sea disasters.

Local officials reported that many villages in low lying areas have also been submerged by floodwaters brought by continuous rains.

Celso Bayabos, ATO manager, said PAL’s flight 123, which was supposed to arrive at 7 a.m. was diverted to Mactan, Cebu.

The National Power Corp. (NPC) also automatically cut off the power supply to avoid accidents.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat said that there were no casualties. — Roel Pareño