Due to Typhoon Tisoy: Pre-school, elem classes suspended

CEBU, Philippines — Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has suspended classes in pre-school and elementary levels today, December 2, in areas in northern Cebu under signal number 1 due to Typhoon Tisoy.

The suspension covers the towns in Bantayan Island and Camotes Islands, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Borbon, Sogod, Carmen, Catmon, Danao, Asturias, Tuburan, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Mandaue, Cordova, Talisay, Minglanilla, Naga, and San Fernando.

Neil Sanchez, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, told The Freeman that the suspension of classes is a preemptive measure as Typhoon Tisoy carries with it maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of 150 kph.

Strictly speaking, the suspension covers only public schools as private schools are autonomous but Sanchez said private schools usually follow suit.

As of yesterday afternoon, PAGASA said Typhoon Tisoy is seen to weaken even more when it reaches the Bicol region but advised that residents should still take precautions against heavy rain that the typhoon will bring.

Sanchez said the other day the province is monitoring the typhoon constantly and will conduct pre-disaster risk assessment today, Monday.

As of Friday, November 29, PDRRMO advised towns especially those in coastal areas to be on alert. Trips for sea vessels have also been cancelled temporarily because of gale warnings.

PAGASA earlier warned fishermen against sailing over the seaboards of areas under tropical cyclone wind signal, the northern and western seaboards of northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of the country.

PAGASA said Typhoon Tisoy may make a landfall over Bicol Region between Monday afternoon and Tuesday early morning.

Forecast position:

48 hour (Monday afternoon): 190 km east of Virac, Catanduanes

72 hour (Tuesday afternoon): in the vicinity of Tayabas, Quezon

96 hour (Wednesday afternoon): 300 km west of Subic, Zambales

120 hour (Thursday afternoon): 540 km west of Subic, Zambales

Tisoy, the 20th tropical cyclone in 2019 and fourth in November, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 4 p.m. yesterday, Saturday. (FREEMAN)