Heavy rains trigger class suspensions, sea trip cancellations

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the transition to the dry season or “summer”, heavy rains have hit Cebu and other parts of Central Visayas, forcing local governments to suspend classes and sea trips due to potential hazards.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas attributed the continuous downpour to the shear line—a weather phenomenon where warm and cold air masses converge, causing persistent rainfall and thunderstorms.

Engr. Al Quiblat, head of PAGASA Mactan, confirmed that the region will experience light to moderate rain, with occasional heavy downpours, until Saturday.

“Apektado ta sa ulan hangtod pa na Saturday,” said Quiblat in a phone interview.

By Sunday, weather conditions are expected to improve as the effects of the shear line gradually weaken over the Visayas.

Quiblat noted that while improved conditions were expected by Sunday, intermittent rains might persist depending on the system's movement.

Despite the gloomy weather, Quiblat assured that there was no tropical cyclone formation expected in the next two weeks.

“Base sa atong potential threat forecast, for the next two weeks wala may likelihood of formation of tropical cyclone or bagyo,” he said.

This means the current rainfall is purely due to the shear line and not an approaching storm system.

Due to the weather conditions, several municipalities and cities have suspended classes. Among them are Santa Fe, Pilar, Madridejos, Bantayan, San Remigio, Poro, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Daanbantayan, Danao, and Talisay.

Rough sea conditions also prompted the cancellation of multiple ferry trips at Hagnaya and Santa Fe ports.

The heavy rains also increased the risk of flooding and landslides in several areas, leading PAGASA to issue a yellow rainfall warning for Bantayan, Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, and other northern Cebu municipalities.

PAGASA Visayas warned that low-lying communities could experience rising waters, while mountainous regions faced the danger of soil erosion.

On Thursday morning, PAGASA expanded its advisory to include Borbon, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Sogod, Catmon, Carmen, Asturias, and Danao City, where rainfall estimates ranged between 7.5 and 15 millimeters, enough to cause minor flooding.

FLOOD ADVISORY

In response to the persistent downpours, PAGASA issued General Flood Advisory #2 for Central Visayas as of 6:00 PM on March 20, cautioning residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.

The advisory highlighted potential risks in Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bohol, where major river systems could overflow.

In Cebu, rivers such as Kotkot, Mananga, Guinabasan, Balamban, and Sapangdaku were identified as potential flood hotspots. Similarly, Negros Oriental authorities were monitoring water levels in La Libertad, Tanjay, Candugay, Siaton, and other rivers. Bohol’s Inabanga, Ipil, Matulid, Loboc, and Abatan rivers were also included in the warning.

Meanwhile, hundreds of City Hall employees pushed through with the clean-up drive in the Badjao community in Barangay Mambaling despite the bad weather.

The initiative is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment for city residents.  Aside from that, clearing the area is also one of the city’s measures to address flooding in the barangay. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol and  Le Phyllis F. Antojado/FPL (CEBU NEWS)