ZAMBOANGA City Mayor John Dalipe issued Executive Order JD 2023-019 declaring suspension of classes Tuesday afternoon, January 31, 2023, in all levels, both in public and private schools due to inclement weather.

Dalipe issued the order following recommendation by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to suspend classes and

work in the city government due to torrential rains which caused flooding in several villages.

Dalipe said that prior to the release of school children, education authorities must ensure proper coordination with parents for the

safety and protection of the learners.

However, Dalipe directed offices doing essential work and other frontline offices to maintain ample workforce for possible augmentation during emergency response.

The city of Zamboanga experienced torrential rains Tuesday due to shear line and localized thunderstorms based on the weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa).

Meanwhile, the CDRRMO said that eight villages were flooded as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

These are the villages of Baliwasan, Cabatangan, Guiwan, Pasonanca, Putik, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, and Tumagag.

The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils were also directed to monitor their respective jurisdiction. (SunStar Zamboanga)