TWO municipalities of Davao de Oro had suspended classes following the anticipated entry of Tropical Cyclone Odette in the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
Montevista Mayor Eutropio Jayectin announced the suspension of office work and classes due to the heavy rainfall in the municipality on Tuesday morning, December 14.
In a memorandum order, Jayectin ordered the suspension in the municipality due to the experienced heavy rain since early morning.
He said this is "to ensure the safety and welfare of the inhabitants of Montevista on the expected flooding, landslides and other related geohazard disturbances."
Monkayo Mayor Ramil Gentugaya also announced on his Facebook account the suspension of classes in all levels effective Tuesday, December 14, until December 15 in anticipation of the heavy rains and the possible entry of Odette near the area.
"Akong gi-deklara ang suspensyon sa klase sa tibuok lungsod sa Monkayo sa tanang lebel (gikan elementary hangtod college) karong adlawa ug ugma (December 14-15, 2021) aron ma seguro ang safety sa atong magtutudlo ug estudyante (We declared the suspension of classes in all levels in Monkayo to ensure the safety of the students and teachers)," Gentugaya said.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Davao conducted on Tuesday a "Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment" (PDRA) via video teleconferencing to ensure that all contingencies and preparedness measures are in place.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also reminded disaster management councils to ensure the compliance in the minimum public health standards especially in times of evacuation.
The public is advised to heed the call of local DRRM councils for evacuation if the need arises.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tuesday morning, December 14, that Odette was expected to intensify into a typhoon Wednesday, December 15, and make landfall in Caraga or Eastern Visayas by Thursday afternoon or evening.