The Philippines’ first and only industry magazine that deals with safety and security matters pervading the environment today.

Monsoon Rains Suspend Classes in NCR and Other Regions, Heavy Rains Expected to Continue

Satellite image of monsoon rains and Tropical Storm MARING as of 2:32 a.m. August 19, 2013. (PAGASA)
Satellite image of monsoon rains and Tropical Storm MARING as of 2:32 a.m. August 19, 2013. (PAGASA)

Heavy rains caused flooding and prompt suspension of classes in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, August 19.

The rains are brought by the Southwest monsoon which is affecting the whole country. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued several rainfall warnings since August 18 over Metro Manila and other areas.

PAGASA has re-issued a red rainfall advisory over Metro Manila at 3:00 a.m. Monday. Heavy to torrential rains is expected over Bataan, Zambales, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Northern Quezon.

Heavy flooding is also reported in many areas of Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Maring (Trami) is at 560 km East of Itbayat Batanes and is moving East North East. The storm is reported to draw in and enhance the monsoon rains affecting the country. No storm warning signal is raised.

Water levels in several dams in Luzon are at critical level. As of posting time, La Mesa Dam is on red alert, residents along Tullahan river are advised to evacuate.

Class Suspension

Because of the continuous rains, classes up to high school level are suspended in the whole Metro Manila. Meanwhile, all levels are suspended in Caloocan,Makati, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasig, Pateros, and San Juan.

Several universities in Metro Manila has also announced suspension of classes.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has announce the suspension of classes in preschool and elementary levels in: Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.

Class Suspension by Provinces as of 3:00 a.m. August 19:

Angeles, Pampanga (preschool to high school)
Bacoor City (preschool to high school)
Laguna (all levels)
Cavite (all levels)
Bataan (all levels)
Dagupan, Pangasinan (preschool to high school)
Bocaue, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
Hagonoy, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
Malolos, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
Marilao, Bulacan (preschool to college)
Meycauayan, Bulacan — Barangays of Bayugo, Gazak, Longos, Calvarion, Zamora, Saluysoy and Pandayan only (preschool to high school)
San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
Obando, Bulacan (all levels)
Bocaue (preschool to high school)
Subic, Zambales (all levels)
Olongapo City (preschool to high school)
Antipolo, Rizal (preschool to high school)
Cainta, Rizal (all levels)
Jalajala, Rizal (all levels)
Montalban, Rizal (all levels)
Morong, Rizal (preschool to high school)
Rodriguez, Rizal (all levels)
San Mateo, Rizal (all levels)
Taytay, Rizal (all levels)

Everyone is advised to monitor the weather situation and take precautionary measures to ensure safety. Also, it is necessary to follow instructions of local authorities in matters of evacuation.