FLOOD. A man on his bike makes his way through a flooded street in this undated photo. Malacañang suspended government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila on Wednesday (July 24, 2024), upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat), enhanced by Typhoon Carina. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – Malacañang suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila on Wednesday due to the effects of southwest monsoon (habagat) and Typhoon Carina.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), in a social media post, said the cancellation is upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” the PCO said.
As for private companies and offices, the suspension of their work and operation is left to the discretion of their respective heads, it added.
The habagat, enhanced by the typhoon, continues to drench large parts of Luzon and the Visayas, causing floods in several areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered its Disaster Response Command Center and field offices to be on “highest level of readiness.”
Based on a July 23 report of the DSWD-Disaster Response Operations Management, Information Center, the agency has provided an initial PHP190,124 worth of humanitarian assistance to the affected localities in Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 5 (Bicol), and 6 (Western Visayas).
Millions of boxes of family food packs are also prepositioned in key areas across the country.
House, Senate suspend work
The House of Representatives and the Senate also declared work suspension due to the continuous inclement weather.
In a memorandum issued by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, work in the House of Representatives, including the conduct of plenary sessions and committee hearings, were suspended Wednesday.
In an advisory, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said Senate President Francis Escudero has also declared the suspension of work at the Upper Chamber.
Sessions in both chambers of Congress will resume on July 29.
Manila mayor suspends private school classes
Face-to-face and online classes in all levels in private schools were suspended in the City of Manila on Wednesday due to the continuous heavy rainfall.
The city government also suspended classes on Tuesday due to the heavy downpour.
“Mayor Honey Lacuna has announced the suspension of work in the city government offices, as recommended by the NDRRMC,” Princess Abante, Lacuna's spokesperson, said.
“However, departments and offices involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disaster and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services are exempted from the order.”
Abante said the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have been directed to monitor all areas for flooding, and the Department of Engineering and Public Works and City Electricians Office to check for any affected electrical wirings and posts, and fallen structures and trees.
Lacuna also requested public schools to be used as temporary evacuation sites for those affected by the rains and floods.
The Manila Police Department and the Bureau of Fire Protection have also been ordered to monitor and assist in the evacuation.
All hospitals are under code white. Medicines for prophylaxis against leptospirosis are readily available in all city hospitals.
Flooded areas
Meanwhile, the following areas are flooded: gutter deep along Adriatico Street; Padre Faura; Quirino Station; Vito Cruz L.; P. Ocampo to Roxas; P. Ocampo; Taft Avenue; and Kalaw Street.
Heavy rains have flooded some areas in the city, which resulted in the evacuation of residents of Isla Puting Bato in Tondo. (With reports from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
