Strong rains trigger landslides, class suspensions in Albay, Sorsogon
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — Heavy rains on Monday caused by the shear line and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) triggered a landslide that prompted evacuations in this city and widespread class suspensions and heightened safety measures elsewhere in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon.
Miladee Azur, head of the Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, reported that the continuous downpour caused soil erosion that partially blocked a road in Zone 1 of Barangay Buraguis. Residents near the landslide site were advised to evacuate while motorists were warned of slippery roads and falling debris.
Acting Albay Gov. Baby Glenda Bongao announced the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Legazpi City and the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Santo Domingo, Bacacay, Pio Duran, Malilipot and Polangui. In Daraga, only classes from kindergarten to Grade 12 were suspended.
The localities where classes were suspended were directed to adopt alternative learning modalities as needed.
In the neighboring Sorsogon province, classes were also suspended in several towns due to the heavy downpour.
Sorsogon City Acting Mayor Mark Eric Dioneda ordered the cancellation of classes from preschool to secondary levels, citing moderate to heavy rains as a precautionary measure.
Article continues after this advertisementMayor Maria Minez Hamor of Casiguran town in Sorsogon suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools, with the announcement shared through a Facebook post.
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Bongao urged local officials in Albay to remain vigilant and monitor areas prone to flooding, landslides and potential lahar flow from Mayon Volcano.
She also instructed village leaders to keep a close watch on river conditions and prevent residents from crossing swollen rivers.
In an 8 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned of moderate to heavy rains affecting the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon due to the ICTZ (area where the northeast and the southeast trade winds converge) enhanced by the shear line.
Pagasa cautioned that continuous rains may lead to flooding in urban and low-lying areas, as well as landslides in high-risk zones.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and closely follow updates from local authorities as the inclement weather persists.
