MALASIQUI, Pangasinan -- A total of 44 out of 48 towns and cities of the province declared suspension of classes due to heavy rains on Wednesday, July 18.
Patrick Aquino, operation staff of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said in an interview that only the towns of Natividad, San Nicolas, Sison and Urdaneta City did not declare suspension of classes.
“There is still no flooded areas so far except in Dagupan City, which is not within our jurisdiction since it is a chartered city,” Aquino said.
He noted that Tropical Depression “Inday” is enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rains to the province. He advised the local government units “to be on watch of the weather condition in order for them to make an earlier announcement of cancellation of classes if there is a need to do so.”
Meanwhile, fishermen were told to take the necessary precautions as they set sail, since the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has not yet issued a gale warning.
“Fishermen should listen to radio or watch the television for news updates regarding the weather,” Aquino said.
In Dagupan City, residents have been experiencing floods in some parts of the central business district and some portions of Barangay Pantal since July 14 due to high tide.
“The high tide today (Wednesday) starts at 11:53 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., which is at .9 meter level of water,” said Davidson Chua of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
He added that the Sinocalan River is still 4.62 meters below its alarm level as of 10 a.m. today, hence flooding in nearby areas was not yet anticipated. (PNA)