Classes, work, number coding suspended due to monsoon

Intense rainfall over Metro Manila since Tuesday night flooded major roads, displaced residents in low-lying communities and forced the government to suspend classes, work and the number coding scheme.

- GHIO ONG

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the orange rainfall warning, indicating "flooding is threatening," was raised in Metro Manila as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

It was downgraded to yellow rainfall warning or risk of flooding in low-lying areas at 11 p.m. The warning remained until 8 a.m. yesterday, and was raised again at 2 p.m.

Past 7 a.m. yesterday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin declared the suspension of classes in all levels as well as work in government offices in Metro Manila.

The suspension came following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In a letter addressed to Bersamin, NDRRMC executive director and Office of the Civil Defense administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said the southwest monsoon was expected to bring occasional rains with possible flash floods in Metro Manila.

"The suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public," Nepomuceno said.