Classes, work in gov't offices suspended today; more 'habagat' rains till Saturday

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the suspension of classes in all levels and work in public offices in Metro Manila and 35 provinces today, July 24, as intensified “habagat” (southwest monsoon) rains are expected until the weekend because of the Fujiwhara effect caused by the interaction of tropical cyclones “Dante” and “Emong.”

- By CHITO CHAVEZ and ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Aside from the National Capital Region, the class and government work suspension was also declared in Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon Province, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Sorsogon, Romblon and Masbate.

Other areas are Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga and Apayao.

Remulla’s announcement was based on recommendation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

More habagat rains PAGASA said the enhanced monsoon activity, combined with the direct effects of Emong, is likely to bring moderate to torrential rainfall, especially over the northern and western sections of Luzon.

Between Wednesday noon and Thursday noon, torrential rainfall (over 200 millimeters) is expected in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 millimeters) is likely in Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Rizal.

Moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 millimeters) is expected in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Antique, and Iloilo.