NCR, other regions paralyzed by floods

No classes, work in gov't in several areas today

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG, BETHEENA UNITE, DEXTER BARROS II, and CHITO CHAVEZ

Torrential southwest monsoon (“habagat”) rains intensified by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” that had earlier left the Philippine area of responsibility brought widespread flooding across Metro Manila and several other regions, displacing thousands and causing at least 547 million in damage to infrastructure and agriculture, and leaving at least 118,000 Meralco customers without electricity.

No classes, no work

Due to the continuous heavy rains, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, by authority from Malacañang, declared the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government offices today, July 22, in several areas around the country.

According the DILG Facebook page, these areas are: Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur . Abra • La Union Benguet Pangasinan Tarlac Nueva Ecija Zambales Pampanga Bulacan Bataan Metro Manila Cavite Laguna Rizal Batangas Quezon Marinduque Camarines Sur Albay Catanduanes Sorsogon Masbate Romblon Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro . Palawan Antique Negros occidental Guimaras "The announcement was made based on recommendations from the Office of Civil Defense and other Cabinet officials," the DILG said.

Remulla in the same post, warned the public about potential landslides and continuous rains expected to persist until Thursday, July 24.

Marcos orders agencies to act

President Marcos, who is currently on an official visit to the United States, has assured the public that concerned agencies have been instructed to promptly respond to impacts caused by the continuous rains, particularly flooding.