Malacañang suspends classes in all levels, gov't work in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang suspended classes in all levels in Metro Manila and at least 12 provinces as the state weather bureau on Monday morning extended the red rainfall alert warning due to torrential rains spawned by the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon.

Malacañang, through the Office of the Executive the Executive Secretary, also suspended work in all government offices in Metro Manila except for "those involved in disaster reduction and management."

Classes in all levels were suspended in:

Pangasinan
Benguet
Bataan
Zambales
Tarlac
Pampanga
Bulacan
Rizal
Laguna
Cavite
Batangas
Occidental Mindoro
Metro Manila

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released a new red rainfall warning for Metro Manila at 6:15 a.m. as heavy to intense rains continued overnight.

It said the intense rains may continue until 9 a.m.

"Heavy to intense rains affecting Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Tarlac, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro and Northern Quezon that most likely to continue for the next 3hrs," PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains are affecting Nueva Ecija and the rest of Quezon province and may continue for the next three hours.

PAGASA warned that severe flooding is expected and advised the public to take precautionary measures.

The weather bureau clarified that heavy downpour is spawned by the southwest monsoon that is enhanced by Tropical Storm "Maring."

It was also during August last year when the southwest monsoon brought intense rains in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that triggered severe flooding.